Rehabilitation work on the Brunel Locks Bridge in Huntsville is progressing; however, the contractor ran into some challenges in completing preparatory work.
“This has impacted their overall schedule and we’re working with them to find opportunities to recover,” explained James Steele, District of Muskoka Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works.
“As we previously planned, we will have a winter shutdown at the end of the season (because there are limitations on the temperatures that the coating system can be installed) and will be back next season to complete the work (currently planned for Q3 2026),” he stated.
Steele said the initial traffic setup caused some issues. “The traffic set up caused some initial challenges as folks adjusted to the new traffic patterns; however, as with all of our temporary setups, we monitor and make adjustments as needed. As with all construction projects that affect the road, there will be some impacts, however, we believe that the adjustments have been effective in mitigating the impacts.”
Location: Muskoka Rd. 2 (Brunel Rd.), from Lockview Rd. to Brunel Locks
Construction period: Early June 2025 – Summer 2026
Winter shutdown: Full two-lane traffic restored during winter months
Project overview:
The Locks Bridge is undergoing critical rehabilitation to improve safety and extend its service life. Work includes:
- Recoating and repairing structural steel truss components
- Resurfacing the bridge deck and approach roads
- Enhancing guardrails and roadside barriers
- Installing new signage to improve vertical clearance awareness
What to expect:
- Single-lane traffic in effect during construction, managed by automated traffic signals
- Lockview Rd. access will be closed; detour available via North Mary Lake Rd.
- Construction noise is expected, including some weekend work in accordance with local by-laws
- Signage and advanced notice will be posted to help guide drivers safely
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I’m just putting it out there, but why can’t you have a sensor on the lights to lessen the delay for travelers. It’s an excessively long wait if you get a red light!
You actualy have to have people working on the job to get it done. At least that’s the way jobs used to get done. My but times have changed. Not meant as sarcasm.