Niagara Region to Replace Aging J.R. Stork Bridge in St. Catharines

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The Niagara Region is set to replace the 59-year-old J.R. Stork Bridge on Martindale Road in St. Catharines, with a project value of $6.8 million expected to enhance traffic flow and capacity in the area.

The Niagara Region has announced plans to replace the aging J.R. Stork Bridge, a structure that has served the community for 59 years. Located on Martindale Road in the City of St. Catharines, Ontario, the bridge spans Richardson’s Creek and is situated approximately 1.1 kilometers north of the Queen Elizabeth Way. Originally constructed in 1967, the bridge currently consists of one lane in each direction along with a sidewalk on its east side.
Following a structural analysis conducted in 2019, it was determined that the bridge required replacement. The new project, officially designated as the Replacement of J.R. Stork Bridge (Structure 038205), carries a total construction value of $6.8 million. The project will not only involve the complete replacement of the existing bridge structure but will also include the reconstruction of the roadways leading up to the bridge on both sides.
Rankin Construction has been contracted to oversee the project, which is being coordinated in conjunction with the Niagara Region’s Water and Wastewater Division. This collaboration is vital, as the project entails the replacement of a watermain that currently crosses under Richardson Creek.
The timeline for the project is as follows: detailed design work commenced in 2019, while the permanent relocation of existing hydro poles is scheduled for 2024-2025. Temporary relocation of utilities mounted on the bridge will also take place during this period. The tender for the construction is expected to be issued in Spring 2026, with construction slated to begin in June 2026, following the closure of Martindale Road. The project is anticipated to be completed by December 2026, contingent upon weather conditions.
Jason Misner, a senior communications specialist for Niagara Region, emphasized that this is a collaborative effort between the Niagara Region Transportation and Water and Wastewater departments. The City of St. Catharines is contributing as a minor cost-sharing partner for the additional width of the structure, which will accommodate a wider sidewalk on the east side of the bridge.
Frank Tassone, the director of transportation for Niagara Region, expressed the commitment to enhancing the local Regional Road network to ensure safe and efficient travel for residents and businesses. He acknowledged that although the project may disrupt local traffic, a comprehensive traffic management plan is in place to minimize inconvenience for motorists during the construction period.
The J.R. Stork Bridge is one of 219 structures managed by the Niagara Region, playing a crucial role in facilitating the movement of goods and people throughout the community. This replacement project is a significant step toward modernizing local infrastructure and improving overall traffic flow in St. Catharines.

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