Questions & Answers - Warsaw

The overall project includes the full replacement of the steel swing bridge structure, repairs to concrete abutments, and replacement of mechanical and electrical operating systems. Pedestrian approaches have been improved upon, and the project has brought the bridge up to full highway loading.

Parks Canada’s construction projects are considered part of the Agency’s critical services to the public, and the replacement of the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge has continued largely as scheduled. There has been a slight delay in the delivery of the hydraulic control unit, due in part to COVID-19 restrictions and subsequent supply chain issues.

Parks Canada invests millions into maintaining, operating and, when necessary, reconstructing swing bridges and stationary bridges across Ontario’s Waterways. If Parks Canada’s sole objective was to allow for navigation through the Trent-Severn Waterway, the responsibility for vehicular crossing of waterways, including maintenance requirements and capital costs, would be the responsibility of the Province of Ontario and local municipalities in the form of high-level bridges. Parks Canada’s revenue at the Trent-Severn Waterway accounts for less than 10% of its operating costs; the Trent-Severn Waterway provides for meaningful heritage and tourism experiences, conducts water level operations, and operates all of it’s assets (like bridges, locks, and dams) not for revenue, but as a Government of Canada investment into the economy of Ontario that generates hundreds of millions annually.

Just like during the navigation season itself when Trent-Severn bridges are swung open and closed several times a day to allow for boats, a balance is sought for both road and waterway traffic. Due to the nature of the remaining work, the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge construction project does not impact boat navigation. The contractor was instructed to provide an operable bridge for vehicular traffic as soon as possible.

Right now we are concentrating on completing the project and getting the bridge operational, to the very best standards. Following the project there will be a full accounting of the reasons for delay to the bridge’s opening. Anything that would constitute a breach of contract or financial responsibility for delay will be determined through a formal review process - following the completion of the project, and not before.

Parks Canada operates and maintains infrastructure that's designed to serve the public, and will not offer compensation when these structures require maintenance, rehabilitation or replacement.

Information about this or any ongoing, major works along the Trent-Severn Waterway can be found at www.pc.gc.ca/tswInfrastucture. To receive updates about this project by mail, subscribe by reaching out to pc.trentsevern.pc@canada.ca. Or, follow on Twitter or Facebook @trentsevernnhs.