Brant’s Crossing Bridge Replacement

Background

The Brant’s Crossing Bridge spans over the Grand River and is located on the Dike Trail, a multi-use trail that connects Fordview Park and Brant’s Crossing Park.

Project Area

The bridge was originally constructed in 1875 for the purpose of conveying railway traffic. The original crossing was replaced in 1913 with the current structure. In 1996, the structure was converted from a railway to a pedestrian and cyclist bridge. In February 2018, following an ice jam event, the bridge was temporarily closed and later reopened in December 2021 following minor rehabilitation work.

The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study

In 2022, the City of Brantford completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA), Schedule “C”, which recommended that Brant’s Crossing’s existing superstructure be replaced and raised. The Final Environmental Assessment Report for the Brant’s Crossing Bridge is available on the Three Grand River Crossing page.

The purpose of this project is to replace the existing bridge superstructure with one that is:

• More versatile and accessible to pedestrian and cyclist traffic through a wider deck,
• Sustainable with the materials being used,
• Safer and more resistant to flooding/ice jamming by raising the bridge 1.1 meters (min.), and
• Creates a destination in Brantford by incorporating lighting and a lookout.

Design Phase

In fall 2023 the City retained WSP E&I Canada Limited, a structural engineering firm, to carry out a preliminary and detailed design of the Brant’s Crossing superstructure replacement and removal of the Fordview Lookout. The preliminary design of the new superstructure replacement and design of the removal of the Fordview Lookout structure from Fordview Park.

In March 2024 the City hosted an in-person public consultation at City Hall for interested individuals to attend, with the opportunity to meet with the project team members, ask questions, and submit comments.

In October 2024, the detailed design of the project was completed. The project was posted publicly at the City of Brantford’s Bid Opportunities page.  

Construction Phase

The City of Brantford anticipates construction to begin in Winter, 2024 with construction completion in Winter, 2025. Additional information related to construction will be added as the project progresses.

Both Fordview Park and a portion of Brant’s Crossing Park are anticipated to be closed to the public during construction. 

The Project Team

If you have any questions about this project, please contact us using one of the following methods:

• By Mail – please mail to City of Brantford Environmental Service Admin Building, Attn: Meagan Bergman, City of Brantford, 324 Grand River Avenue, Brantford, ON N3T 4Y8
• Phone – please contact the City at 519-759-4150 Ext. 5512
• By E-mail – please contact MBergman@brantford.ca