Tree Removals on the east shore: completion of work from 2019

• In the fall of 2019, the project team removed some trees and bushes on the east shore to prepare for construction work. This constituted Phase 1 of the tree removal portion of our Tree Management Plan.
• Starting the week of Nov. 2 to Nov. 9, Phase 2 will begin and all necessary tree removals will be completed.
• Residents on the east shore will see some trees removed, as well as bushes on the property of the Pittsburgh Library and along Highway 15. These removals allow us to continue building the bridge and related infrastructure, including off-road cycle tracks, sidewalks, utility relocations, and an access path to a stormwater pond.
• There will be some impacts around the Pittsburgh Library.
  • Expect some traffic delays along Highway 15 north of Gore Road,
  • Expect some sidewalk disruptions along Highway 15. To ensure safe movement of the area onsite personal will safely guide pedestrians.
• Read more about our Tree Management Plan

Notice to boaters about navigation channel: October 28

• The Kingston Mills Locks has closed for the season and is no longer operating for the remainder of 2020.  Since its’ closure, there is no longer marine passage available up the Rideau Canal through the locks.  This, coupled with temperatures, have reduced the amount of boat traffic that is in the area of the Third Crossing. 
• With no boat traffic in the area, the project team has been granted permission from Federal Agencies that the temporary lift span over the navigation is currently in a default position of 'UP' but will be changed to a ‘DOWN’ position on November 1st.  The lift span will be operable during the winter months for emergency situations when required.
• Small craft such as kayaks, small motor boats, and rowing shells can still pass underneath the lowered lift span.

October work activity

• Temporary bridge over the navigation channel – the innovative temporary bridge (lift span) is now operational, which means we can now use it to move equipment and materials from one shore to the other. Instead of loading the equipment on big trucks and using local roads to transfer the equipment, we are able to drive the equipment across the rock causeway and trestle across the lift span, saving time and money - and with no traffic disruptions. The temporary bridge over the navigation channel is in a resting 'up' position during navigation season so boats can pass underneath.
• Abutment footing – we continue to build west and east shore abutment footings, which are permanent parts of the bridge that will connect it with the shore - another great step for the project. ​​​​​​​

Upcoming east shore work

• One of the critical elements to building the Third Crossing bridge is working on the main span. The main span will take the longest time for any element of the project and will require crews to work extended hours to complete the project on schedule.
• The main span of the bridge extends over the navigation channel and, at 95 metres, it is the bridge’s longest span (see graphic below). It is located closer to the east shore, which means some residents will be able to view this work underway and will also hear the work. Over the next two months, crews will be installing the piles and drilling the shafts into bedrock. We appreciate your patience and time as we complete this essential work.

​​​​​28 per cent complete

• ​​​We are pleased to say the Third Crossing is now 28 per cent complete

New time-lapse video

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Our latest Third Crossing video is a time-lapse showcasing one day of work in September. Watch as the clouds pass, trucks move, people construct and work continues on building a new bridge in Kingston.

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Extended Work hours

• Extended work hours allow our team to be as efficient as possible while the bridge progresses. It has been in our plans to work extended hours wherever possible and has been discussed at near neighbour meetings, open houses and in previous communications. Starting in May, crews will be working extended work hours, Monday to Saturday.
• Earlier this summer the team started working extended work hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to support on-going work for building the bridge. Moving into fall these hours will continue with limited low level noise activity continuing until 12 a.m.
• Find out more about extended work hours​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​Point St. Mark Drive and Gore Rd intersection engagement update: Sept 1, 2020

Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer the survey regarding Point St. Mark Dr and Gore Rd intersection (south leg) and your input on to either keep the intersection permanently open, permanently closed or a one-way out only onto Gore Rd. We received a healthy amount of responses and we are happy with the level of engagement. The results were conclusive and gives the City good direction in preparing the design of the intersection that will restrict vehicular access to provide a right turn only onto Gore Rd. We want to bring you along on the process, so see below for a summary of the results.

• 210 responses (52% identified as living in the PSM neighbourhood 40% identified as not living in the PSM neighbourhood, and 8% preferred not to say.
• Response to how you want to permanently see the intersection
  • 39% said they want to open the south leg of the intersection to allow right turns only onto Gore Rd,
  • 31% want the entrance into Gore Rd permanently closed,
  • 22% want the south leg permanently open and;
  • 9% are not sure.
• All comments and questions received during the engagement will be answered. To review our responses and considerations, please find a document on our website entitled “Comments_Point St. Mark Dr and Gore Rd engagement update Sept. 17, 2020.”

Next steps

• We will connect with emergency service providers to have input on the final design that will focus on a right turn only onto Gore Rd for the south leg of the intersection
• We will continue to reach out to residents and inform the general community and Point St. Mark residents about the final design of the intersection.
• Later this fall, we will use the City’s engagement platform to present the final design of the intersection, including vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist and transit infrastructure and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions of the project team. If you have any further comments, please connect with us at thirdcrossing@cityofkingston.ca

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​​COVID-19 project protocols and considerations

• ​​​​​​​Read our COVID-19 protocols

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