About the Project
The Municipality of Lambton Shores will be completing a construction project along the Ontario Street corridor in Grand Bend, which will include the replacement and widening of the bridge. This project aims at reducing congestion and improving traffic flow through Grand Bend.
Improvements to the Ontario Street corridor were identified through a Class Environmental Assessment, which determined that the current intersection and traffic signalization was insufficient to handle the traffic volumes that occur during peak periods.
The Grand Bend Bridge construction project will be separated into two phases to ensure a total closure of the bridge is not required, and to accommodate a pause in construction activity during the summer season.
Project Timeline
The Grand Bend Bridge replacement and widening construction project is separated into two phases to ensure a total closure of the bridge is not required, and to accommodate a pause in construction activity during the summer season.
- Phase 1 is scheduled to begin September 3, 2024. This phase has an anticipated completion date of June 15, 2025 so that construction activity is paused during summer.
- Phase 2 is expected to begin September 2025.
Like all construction projects, delays are expected during peak construction periods. Although work will require lane and sidewalk closures, there are no major detours or full closures of the bridge expected.
The project team is committed to providing ongoing communication about the project to alleviate the impact of construction as much as possible. You can sign up to receive email updates throughout the project using the link below.
Project Funding
In May 2024, the MTO announced $5-million towards the Grand Bend Ontario Street Bridge Project through the Connecting Links program. Lambton Shores will fund the remainder of the project, as required.
A look at what's to come...
Rendering: Lane Configurations
The addition of traffic lanes will help relieve traffic congestion at the intersection of Highway 21 (Ontario Street) and Main Street, especially during the increased traffic in the summer months.
Rendering: Multi-Use Path
With a focus on active transportation and walkability, the project will include the addition of multi-use paths on either side of Ontario Street.
Support Local Business
Local businesses operating year-round in the area are still open and need our support. Whether you live, work, or visit the area, your support for local business goes a long way - especially during a construction project of this scale.
Updates from the Project Team
| Update 7: December 4, 2024 |
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The nice weather crews enjoyed throughout the fall has ended abruptly with the arrival of snow to Grand Bend. Despite the changing weather, crews will continue to work on completing this important project. In the past two weeks, crews have been working on driving piles for the new abutments. The schedule for the next two weeks includes finishing the piles and forming, and placing rebar for the new abutments. Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding during this project |
| Update 6: November 19, 2024 |
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Construction crews are working hard and progress continues to be made on the Ontario Street Grand Bend Bridge Project. Over the past two weeks, preparation works have been largely completed on the southeast portion of the bridge. Over the coming weeks, crews will be setting and driving piles to support the new widened portion of the bridge. The project team wants to thank the public for their ongoing patience and understanding as the project continues. As colder weather approaches, please exercise caution when travelling through the construction zone. For your own safety, and the safety of the workers, please obey all signage, fencing, and barriers. A construction site can be a dangerous place if you are unfamiliar with the activities taking place. Please let the workers focus on their jobs and stay out of the construction areas. We recognize that this is one of our larger projects and can come with traffic delays while crews are working. In our ongoing efforts to keep the public informed about this project, including any traffic delays, we have launched a live cam for the Grand Bend Bridge project. |
| Update 5: November 5, 2024 |
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Since the previous update, further preparation work and demolition of existing bridge infrastructure has occurred. In the coming weeks, crews will continue demolition of the southeast and northeast areas of the existing bridge to allow for construction of the bridge widening. Crews will also begin driving piles to support the new structure. As always, thank you for your ongoing cooperation during this project. |
| Update 4: October 22, 2024 |
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Access works have been completed to allow crews and equipment to move under the bridge to work. Removals of existing infrastructure are ongoing and roadway protection measures are in progress to allow the start of excavation work on the south side of the bridge. In the coming weeks, crews will continue removals and protection measures to allow for excavation on the north side of the bridge. The project team wishes to thank the public for their ongoing patience with vehicle and pedestrian traffic control measures. Please continue to exercise caution in construction zones. |
| Update 3: October 7, 2024 |
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Since our last update, Utility companies have completed their work to allow for bridge widening work to take place. Crews have also been completing the necessary site preparation work that will provide access the bridge structure and surrounding area. Over the coming weeks, crews will continue preparation work and doing removals of existing infrastructure before beginning the bridge widening and rehabilitation work. Traffic control measures are in place for this work and will continue to be in place throughout the fall season. Please obey signage and drive safely. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we work through this important project. |
| Update 2: September 10, 2024 |
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Generally, bridges are built for cars and people to travel safely across waterways. However, they also carry important utilities. The Ontario Street bridge carries several different utilities across the river to serve homes and businesses in Grand Bend, including hydro, natural gas, drinking water, sewage, and communications (cable and internet). Over the last two weeks, different utility crews have been on site completing important relocation work to allow for bridge work to take place. Next week, this utility work will continue in addition to some site preparation work before equipment and workers begin on the bridge structure. Lane closures will be in effect during this work and the Municipality reminds the public to drive cautiously and obey all signage. Please note that the parking area on Municipal Drive (at the former Grand Bend Municipal Office and the former BMO) will be closed to the public as of September 23, 2024. This area will be fenced and used as a staging area during the bridge construction project.
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| Update 1: August 27, 2024 |
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The Municipality of Lambton Shores is set to begin the Ontario Street Grand Bend Bridge construction project on September 3, 2024. This first phase of the project has an anticipated completion date of June 15, 2024. |
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