St. Paul St. West (Regional Road 81) - CN Rail Bridge Replacement
All Niagara Region projects

About the project

Niagara Region is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the replacement of the St. Paul St. West CN Rail Bridge in St. Catharines.

Originally constructed in 1922, the St. Paul St. West CN Rail Bridge has undergone extensive inspection and evaluation that has identified the structure for immediate replacement. The replacement will address the aging infrastructure and improve the vertical alignment of the roadway approaches.

Improvements to access the proposed GO Transit station via Great Western St. will also be addressed.

Project update

Recent bridge inspections have shown increased poor conditions on the existing bridge. Because of this, Niagara Region has reduced traffic to one lane and set load restrictions. By reducing traffic to one lane, Niagara Region can extend the bridge's life. It will allow the bridge to stay open and safe for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. This will help lessen the negative impacts of heavy vehicle loads on the bridge.

Bridge replacement

The St. Paul Street West Bridge is scheduled for replacement in 2023. Construction activities will start in the summer / fall of 2023.

Niagara Region inspects all bridges and transportation infrastructure often. This is to make sure they stay in good physical condition. When there are worsening conditions or infrastructure concerns, Niagara Region takes action. This action ensures the continued safe use of the infrastructure until full replacements or repairs can be made.

Project timeline

february 7, 2019 - Completed
Notice of commencement

april 3, 2019 - completed
Public information centre #1

june 12, 2019 - completed
Public information centre #2

September 12, 2019 - Completed
Notice of study completion

September 12 to October 11, 2019 - completed
Project file report filed for 30-day review and comment

november 2019 - completed
Detailed design commences

Summer 2020 - ONGOING
Utility relocations

2021 - ongoing
Property acquisition

Mid Summer to early fall 2023
Tender awarded, start construction with full closure and detour in place

Contact

Graeme Guthrie, C.E.T.
Senior Project Manager, Transportation Engineering
905-980-6000 ext. 3249
Email Graeme Guthrie

Open House

Attend an open house to learn about construction projects planned for the St. Catharines GO station area.

Date: Thursday, March 30
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Local Information

Current detour

St. Paul Street West between Pelham Road and Louth Street is open with a detour for heavier vehicles:

Pelham Road to Louth Street
Great Western Street will convert to one-way traffic northbound

There will be a temporary traffic signal on the bridge's east and west sides for a smooth transition to a single lane of traffic on the bridge.

All businesses in the affected area remain open. Load restrictions will be in place for this bridge. All trucks (except for emergency vehicles) must use the detour route.

Future closure / detour

When construction is ready to begin, the bridge will be closed to all traffic and a detour will be in place for all vehicles: