HAMILTON/BURLINGTON, Ont. — The McGuinty government is doing its part to keep Ontario’s bridges safe with regular maintenance to the Niagara bound Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), according to Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield.

“This section of the QEW is an important link to the Niagara border with more than 130,000 drivers using it daily,” Cansfield said. “We recognize the importance of keeping the Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge in excellent condition to keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently.”

Built in 1958 and expanded in 1985, the Burlington Bay Skyway Bridge spans the entrance to Hamilton harbour and links the Niagara border crossings to the Greater Toronto Area. In 2006, nearly $185 million in Canada/US trade crossed these border points every day. The current maintenance work includes replacing the expansion joints on the Niagara bound bridge, repaving the deck and repairing concrete barriers.

The $6.4-million contract was awarded to Underground Services (1983) Limited of Bolton and should be complete by October 2008. Construction will be done at night with short-term lane closures. At times, full lane closures may be required at night and traffic headed to the Niagara area will be detoured to other local roads. Every effort is being made to minimize the impact on drivers. The ministry will post signs in advance to prepare drivers for lane closures and detours.

“The QEW is a transportation lifeline for residents, visitors and commercial vehicles,” added Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Aldershot MPP Ted McMeekin. “These repairs will improve road safety and ensure the long-term reliability of this bridge.”