2 days ago
Work to lower highway continues under often-hit Brantford bridge
A large slab of concrete is seen on Highway 403 in Brantford after falling from the Wayne Gretzky Parkway bridge on May 9, 2022. (Dan Lauckner/CTV News)
Drivers travelling through the Brantford area may need to factor in a little extra commute time as work by the Ministry of Transportation continues along a portion of Highway 403.
Last year, the ministry announced plans to improve the road and off-ramps between Rest Acres Road and Garden Ave. That work included lowering the highway's westbound lanes at Wayne Gretzky Parkway to increase vehicle clearance at the overpass.
The bridge has been hit by passing vehicles several times, including in December 2021, January 2022, May 2022.
The latest incident happened in on March 10 of this year when the bridge was struck by a transport truck driver. The Ontario Provincial Police said the vehicle was hauling an excavator and the boom had been left in a raised position.
Although no one was hurt, one vehicle's windshield was broken by falling debris from the bridge.
The truck driver was charged with driving while suspended, operating a commercial motor vehicle with an unsecured load and having an over-width and over-height load. The unidentified company was also charged with allowing operation of a commercial motor vehicle with its load not secured, permitting an over-width load, permitting an over-height vehicle and allowing an unlicensed person to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
What can drivers expect?
Ramp closures are now in place at the following ramps:
Highway 403 westbound off-ramp to Wayne Gretzky Parkway (from east to north/south ramp)
Highway 403 westbound on-ramp from Wayne Gretzky Parkway (from south to west ramp)
Highway 403 eastbound on-ramp from Wayne Gretzky Parkway (from north to east ramp)
Nightly lane closures are also in effect along the highway in both directions.
Drivers travelling over the bridge will also be dealing with slowdowns as the road has been reduced to one lane in each direction.
The area is a popular thoroughfare for people living in the area. Many drivers regularly use the route to access the Lynden Park Mall or the newly opened Costco.
