LaSalle Causeway
Completed projects
Learn about the past work we have completed to improve safety and maintain the LaSalle Causeway.
On this page
Bascule bridge removal
The central channel was previously occupied by the Bascule Bridge, which lifted during the annual navigation season.
On March 30, 2024, part of the Bascule Bridge was damaged during construction. A diagonal steel truss element that supports the counterweight was compromised. We conducted an analysis of the damage. The analysis showed that key elements of the bridge structure were considerably displaced and misaligned. This would significantly reduce the life of the bridge. Following discussions with the City of Kingston, we decided to demolish and remove the entire structure of the bridge.
On June 20, the Bascule Bridge was demolished and removed, leaving the LaSalle Causeway fully open for marine navigation.
Modular bridge installation
On October 3, 2024 we installed a modular bridge where the previous Bascule Bridge used to be, to allow vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the causeway.
The modular bridge is a 2-lane pre-fabricated truss bridge. It accommodates legal vehicle traffic and includes a separate sidewalk. The bridge sits on the existing abutments of the previous Bascule Bridge.
The design of the modular bridge allows us to remove and reinstall it periodically to allow marine traffic to travel through the main navigation channel.
Photo gallery
Videos
Video 1: The modular bridge installation
Watch this video to learn about the progress made in the assembly and delivery of the modular bridge.
Transcript: LaSalle Causeway - Update on the Temporary Modular Bridge Installation
Start of video
[Music plays]
(Text on screen: Public Services and Procurement Canada)
Public Services and Procurement Canada is pleased to provide an update on the LaSalle Causeway project.
[Shot of the old LaSalle Causeway bridge while being taking down in Kinston, Ontario.]
(Text on screen: Update on the LaSalle Causeway Project.)
We’re excited to report that significant progress has been made on this highly complex project.
(Text on screen: Voice of Stefan Dery, Director General of Infrastructure Asset Management / Public Services and Procurement Canada)
A temporary modular bridge has been delivered and assembled. To ensure its stability and reliability, extensive preparation was required on the approaches, including load testing and modifications to the existing bearing seats to support the new structure.
[Shot of the temporary bridge assembled and on dry land beside the water opening.]
[Shot of two workers working on part of the cement base.]
[Shot of three workers installing rebar on the cement wall and another worker welding in a corner section.]
The modular bridge was carefully assembled with parts sourced from various locations. These components were specifically chosen to meet the unique requirements of this temporary installation.
[Shot of a worker on a scaffold working on the side of the bridge.]
[Wide panning shot of the assembled bridge on dry land and workers are working on different area’s of the bridge.]
[Top view shot of the assembled bridge on dry land.]
Crews are now preparing to install the structure.
[Top view shot of three workers installing rebar on the cement wall.]
The installation process will require us to close the main marine navigation channel, beginning on September 19th.
[Top view shot of the open causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the right.]
We anticipate the temporary bridge will be open for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians on September 30th.
[Top view shot of the open causeway.]
In order to allow marine access, the bridge will be temporarily removed to open the main marine navigation channel twice this fall: once on October 15th and again on November 16th.
[Shot of the open causeway.]
[Shot of a pontoon boat passing through the causeway.]
During these scheduled openings there will be unrestricted access for marine traffic. Public notices will be issued in advance.
[Shot of a boat marina with parked boats and sailboats.]
[Shot of a sailboat entering the causeway.]
[Shot of a marine boat passing through the causeway.]
Looking ahead, we will soon begin consultations with the city and stakeholders to determine the frequency and schedule for marine access during the 2025 navigation season and beyond, including the intent to allow access in early May 2025, for the start of the marine season. These discussions will help ensure we find a path forward that meets the needs of all Kingstonians.
[Top view shot of the open causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the left.]
[A closer top view shot of the open causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the left.]
[Shot of a marine boat passing through the causeway.]
[Shot of a ferry boat passing outside the causeway, the assembled bridge sits on land to the left.]
The temporary bridge will remain in place until the construction of a permanent replacement bridge is completed.
[Shot of the temporary bridge assembled.]
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to improve and enhance the Lasalle Causeway for the benefit of the City of Kingston, its citizens and visitors, and the marine community.
[Shot of a sailboat sailing through the causeway.]
For more information about the bridge installation and future updates on the Lasalle Causeway, please visit our project webpage.
[Shot of a laptop on a tabletop with the Public Services and Procurement Canada's (PSPC) web page of the LaSalle Causeway on screen]
(Text on screen: More information: LaSalle Causeway - Canada.ca)
(Text on screen: Check us out: facebook.com/PSPC.SPAC, instagram.com/pspc_spac, twitter.com/pspc_spac, youtube.com/PSPC_SPAC)
(Text on screen ISBN 978-0-660-73574-0, Catalogue P4-152/2024E-MP4)
[Music stops]
(Public Services and Procurement Canada signature)
(Canada Wordmark)
End of video
Video 2: Installation of a modular bridge on the LaSalle Causeway
Watch the video to see how a modular bridge was installed, reconnecting the city of Kingston to its eastern suburbs.
Transcript: LaSalle Causeway - Installation of a modular bridge on the LaSalle Causeway
Start of video
[Music plays.]
(Text on screen: Public Services and Procurement Canada)
[Drone shot of La Salle Causeway showing temporary bridge under construction and being prepared to be added to open section of water, the shot rotates around the bridge and crew.]
[Shot from above showing the distance of water it will span]
[A brief time lapse drone shot shows the bridge slowly moving across the span of water.]
[Shot of a crane on the other side connecting the bridge and helping move it across.]
[Shot of workers are shown helping the installation as the Canadian flag can be seen waving in the wind in the foreground.]
[Drone shot shows from the side as a small boat moves about nearby inspecting the installation.]
[Wide shot shows the boat, bridge and crane all working to complete the move across the water.]
[Wide shot shows the bridge fully across the water, the drone moves closer and pans down to look at the final installation process.]
[Shot of the bridge now fully complete and with traffic crossing.]
[Shot shows the sign for La Salle Causeway with cars and pedestrians moving by.]
(Text on screen: Check us out, Facebook: /PSPC.SPAC, Instagram: @pspc_spac, X: @pspc_spac, YouTube: PSPC_SPAC.)
(Text on screen: ISBN: 978-0-660-74160-4, Catalogue: P4-157/2024E-MP4)
[Music stops]
(Public Services and Procurement Canada signature)
(Canada Wordmark)
End of video