The City of Guelph has awarded the contract for construction of the Ward to Downtown Pedestrian Bridge (crossing the Speed River from St. Patrick’s Ward to downtown). Construction will begin August 2023. In addition to the bridge structure, the project will include a multi-use path on the east side of the bridge adjacent to the Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) to Arthur Street South and an updated plaza area with plantings on the west side of the bridge. The plaza area will provide connectivity to the downtown trail.
The Ward to Downtown Bridge was approved as part of the Downtown Secondary Plan and the Official Plan and is an opportunity to improve pedestrian safety in the area as well as improve connectivity to the downtown core.
Construction timeline
Construction is intended to begin late August 2023 and is expected to be completed summer of 2024. The bridge works are tentatively planned to be completed throughout the winter into spring 2024. Paving of the multi-use path and other surface works will be completed summer 2024.
Long term road closures are not anticipated for this work. Temporary lane closures may be required throughout the project. Pedestrian access in the construction area will be restricted. Pedestrians should follow signage.
Business access will remain open during this project.
The City of Guelph appreciates your patience and understanding as we complete this important infrastructure project.
Background
An Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed in July 2017 which evaluated alternatives for pedestrian bridges crossing the Speed River from St. Patrick’s Ward to downtown. The EA recommends that a bridge immediately south of the GJR tracks be implemented first to mitigate safety concerns that stem from residents using the railway bridge as a crossing. The proposed bridge will link a future trail from Duke Street over the river to Macdonell Street. Please see the below related documents related to the EA.
Final bridge concepts
Site plan
View from the South
Latest updates
Related Documents
Class Environmental Assessment Project File (Schedule B) – July 6, 2017Appendix A Heritage Appendix B Archeological Appendix C Scoped EISAppendix D Fluvial Geomorphic Appendix E ConsultationAppendix F NoticesAppendix G Comments Appendix H Drawings
For more information
Steven Di Pietro, Project Engineer
Engineering and Transportation Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2348
Mobile 226-820-0154
[email protected]