No changes are coming from the original plan Peterborough County had for upgrading and repairing the James A Gifford Causeway as voted on during the last council meeting.
The current causeway that connects Ennismore and Bridgenorth over Chemong Lake was built in the 1950s to replace the floating bridge built in 1869. Repairs on the current causeway did happen in the 1980s, 2015(emergency), and 2018 (emergency). The community connection artery is in need of some major work and overhaul. The current plans for repairs and rebuilding started in 2011 with the very first Environmental Assesment which was completed in 2013. Over the last five years other consultations, investigations, and tenders have been completed. It is time to start actually working on the causeway.
The plan as announced from the county is to finish another fishery study this spring then construction begins in the fall with the first state of sequencing. This step is rock fill and shoreline stabilization at a cost of 5.8 million dollars. Once this step is complete pavement rehab, sidewalks, streetlights and storm sewers would be completed in 2021. Future plans for future councils include Roundabouts at both ends of the causeway (2029) and 4 lane expansion. (2039)
Peterborough County would like to thank the public for their patience with this major project on the County’s busiest roadway. Traffic control will reduce points along the causeway to one lane throughout the construction process.