FAQs
Construction Overview
Asphalt pavement replacement of the roadway
Bridge deck concrete patching
Bridge deck joint replacement
Sidewalk and railing replacement
Watermain repairs (Selwyn Township)
Traffic barrier improvements (Selwyn Township)
Why are the Lakefield Bridges being rehabilitated?
The Otonabee River Bridge and Trent Canal Bridge require structural rehabilitation to address the deterioration of concrete components and improve the driving surface. These improvements are expected to extend the service life of both structures by approximately 20 to 30 years.
What work is planned as part of the project?
The anticipated work includes:
Additional repairs may be identified during the design process.
When will construction start and how long will it last?
Construction is currently planned from Spring to Fall in 2027. The schedule will depend on the final design, staging plan, and construction method.
What will be the hours of work for the project ?
Typical work hours have been extended and will be from sunrise to sunset. The schedule will be accelerated by requiring 6-day work weeks when possible.
Can the bridge be widened to accommodate a separate pedestrian/multi-use path?
The current structure cannot be widened during a bridge rehabilitation to add a multi-use path; this can be considered at replacement. The County is exploring widening the existing sidewalks by narrowing the road surface platform.
Traffic Impacts
Will the bridges remain open during construction?
Yes, one lane of traffic will be maintained throughout the duration of the project using temporary traffic signals.
Will there be traffic delays?
Traffic impacts are expected during construction, with the longest delays anticipated to occur during the peak morning and afternoon hours.
The traffic signals will be programmed to change through the complete cycle (green, yellow, red) every 3 minutes. Meaning every 3 minutes, the light will turn green on the approach you are waiting at.
In total, it is estimated that during peak hours, it will take you 10-15 minutes to get across the bridge through Lakefield. During off-peak hours, the estimated delay will be under 10 minutes.
Will pedestrians still be able to cross the bridges?
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project, although intermittent temporary interruptions may occur during certain construction activities.
How will emergency services be accommodated?
Emergency services will not be impacted as priority will be given to any emergency vehicle moving through the work zone.
How will the construction impact buses?
School buses will be impacted similar to regular vehicular traffic. STSCO was included on our agency contact list and has been notified of the project.
Will the temporary traffic signals be integrated with existing traffic signals at Clementi Street and Albert Street?
Our transportation engineer is currently exploring this option. They are also exploring all options to optimize traffic and minimize delays throughout the duration of the project. Their recommendations will be incorporated into the design.
Has a detour route been selected?
No designated detour route will be implemented for this project as the bridge will remain open throughout the duration. Alternate routes will be marked at key locations to advise motorists of the construction so they can plan their trip accordingly.
Will night work be considered as an option for construction?
Staff have explored the option of completing the work at night; however, nighttime construction cannot be accommodated due to the noise associated with the work, the need for temporary lighting, and the limited availability of contractors able to provide nighttime coverage.
Can the work be done in the winter months?
Typical construction months in eastern Ontario run from spring to fall. Winter work presents major challenges for construction that impact safety and costs and schedule with safety being paramount. The County must meet standards to maintain safe access in the winter for motorists and pedestrians.
Will there be any streets within the construction zone closed to local traffic only?
Yes, local access traffic will be implemented on selected side streets. Staff are finalizing the traffic management plan which will be available to the public prior to construction.
Communications
Have the local schools been advised of the upcoming construction to help inform parents and students about the construction timetable?
As per our typical process, the local schools will be contacted in advance of construction.
How will I stay informed about project updates?
To stay informed, please subscribe to project updates on the Peterborough County Engage project page.
How can residents contact the project team?
Residents can submit questions through the Peterborough County Engage page.