Early works and limited site preparation activity for the bridge for this year will start in October 2018 through 2019. Early work activity is required in preparation for the start of project construction scheduled to begin in 2019.

Crew and equipment will be onsite in stages so residents and businesses can anticipate observing various activities throughout the rest of 2018. All early work activity is being conducted in accordance with City regulations and the regulatory requirements as part of the Parks Canada Detailed Impact Assessment (DIA).

Watch a video explaining early work activity.

Early Work Activity Locations

• East Side Area – Early work site activity will occur in the east side area of the bridge alignment on Gore Road west of Highway 15 to the Cataraqui River, , including topographic survey, tree survey, utility work and wildlife surveys.
• West Side Area – Early work site activity will occur in the west side area of the bridge alignment on John Counter Boulevard east of Montreal Street to the Cataraqui River, including archaeological field investigations, topographic survey, tree survey, utility work and wildlife surveys.
• Cataraqui River – Early work site investigations continue in the Cataraqui River area between the east and west side shore lands at Gore Road and John Counter Boulevard, , including bathymetric survey, geotechnical investigations and geo-environmental engineering studies.

Early Work Findings From 2018

In the fall of 2018 the project team did some additional studies to inform the environmental and final design considerations for the bridge. Below is an update of the findings from that work in 2018.

Geotechnical investigations

• Seven boreholes were drilled for rock and soil testing to better understand the riverbed conditions to incorporate into design work.
• Geo-environmental engineering was completed to examine physical and chemical properties of the soil.

Topographic survey

• Identified locations of ground, trees, buildings, property lines, etc. to inform design and construction activities.

Bathymetric Survey

•     Performed in the fall to determine the elevation of the riverbed.
•     The riverbed bottom is flat and consistent
•     The navigable channel is deeper.
•     This study also helped the team better understand the construction methods

Archaeological investigations

•  West side: two properties completed and no significant artifacts found, one remaining
• East side: work to start in the Spring of 2019 (isolated area).

Tree inventory

• Was completed to identify species, size, and condition.
• No Species at Risk Trees identified.
• Tree removal and restoration is required as part of this project. More information further in this presentation.

Wildlife survey

• Critical component to this project – looking at wildlife in holistic way. Informs us when we can be on site.
• Species at Risk Bat Survey identified snags (gaps in a tree) that could act as maternal roosts.
• Letter of Advice from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for removals before the bat season.
• Turtle monitoring during on-water activities in 2018 and will continue monitoring.

Types of Preliminary Activity

Archaeological field investigations : Studies will be undertaken as part of the requiremnt to investiate any potential archaelogical in the area. 

Bathymetric Survey: As part of analyzing possible construction methods, a bathymetric survey is needed to measure the water depth of the project corridor. This work includes a boat in the water with crew taking water depth samples.

Geo-environmental engineering: Studies will be carried out in the area including collecting samples from in water boreholes for chemical analysis to help determine soil characteristics.

Geotechnical Investigations: This includes crews obtaining soil and rock information of the site area in order to design foundations for the bridge structures. Holes will be bored into the bedrock at proposed pier locations to complement existing geo-technical information.

Topographic survey: A survey gathering data about the elevation of points on land will assist designers in determining grades, stormwater, pathway connections, and utility aspects of the project. 

Tree survey: Qualified tree surveyors will be gathering info in the project area such as species, health, age and any physical measurements. This information will help in the development of the tree restoration plan.

Utility: Utility planning will be coordinated for providers such as communication, hydro, water, and sanitary systems to help coordinate the placement of utilities in the project area.

Wildlife Survey: Protecting wildlife and their habitat is a key part of conserving Kingston's biodiversity. As the Third Crossing progresses the project team is working hard to protect the rich variety of life and ecosystem near the future bridge. Experts will conduct surveys of plants and wildlife from the east-side and west-side areas and marine environment. A number of wildlife reports have been completed as part of earlier phases of the project; however additional surveys are needed to satisfy environmental requirements prior to construction taking place.

What's Next

Over the winter months, the project team comprised of the City and the IPD team, are working through the project validation stage prior to starting detailed design and construction. Opportunities for continued stakeholder and public input into the detailed design and other project elements will be provided as the project progresses.

Keeping You Connected

Your comments and participation continue to be important to the project team and to the success of the overall project. Please contact us or join our newsletter.