The Town of Newmarket is warning residents about temporarily losing a route through town as the Queen Street bridge is set to close March 17 for the remainder of the year.
The municipality is preparing to start a planned rehabilitation project for the bridge that day, resulting in the bridge closure to both vehicles and pedestrians.
Access will be maintained for nearby residents and businesses but the town is asking people to plan their detour routes.
"The town is committed to maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure for our residents and businesses. As part of this commitment, once this project is complete, the bridge will improve safety and accessibility for all users, align with Metrolinx’s planned expansions of the railway, and reduce long-term maintenance costs," the town said in a news release.
The town said bridge issues that required full rehabilitation were found during regular annual inspections. Work on the bridge began in 2023, with Bell Canada doing utility relocation work, but the bridge remained mostly accessible.
Rapid deterioration also led to an unplanned, temporary closure of the bridge in April 2024 before it was reopened after further inspection in June.
Residents and businesses west of the bridge will be able to access their properties through Main Street South. Properties east of the bridge can access through Prospect Street. The town said emergency vehicles will always have access maintained.
The work will tend to go from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some weekend and night work as needed. Residents and businesses in the area may experience dust, noise and vibrations, but the town said it would work alongside Alliance Verdi Civil Inc. to minimize these inconveniences. Residents will also be notified of any temporary restrictions such as curb, driveway or sidewalk repairs.
More information is available at heynewmarket.ca/queenbridge.