Ontario Awards Contract for Garden City Skyway Bridge

The Ontario government has reached a major milestone in its efforts to modernize critical transportation infrastructure with the awarding of a detailed design contract for the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning Project. This initiative forms a key part of Ontario's broader plan to reduce gridlock, stimulate economic growth, and support thousands of construction jobs across the province.

A Strategic Transportation Link

The Garden City Skyway is an essential component of Ontario’s highway network. Originally built in 1963, it links the Niagara Region's three international bridge crossings with the rest of the province and facilitates the annual movement of over $1.1 trillion in goods throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Today, the bridge accommodates more than 100,000 vehicles and trucks daily, making it a cornerstone of both local and international commerce.

As the structure ages, the need for significant rehabilitation has become urgent. However, shutting down multiple lanes for repairs would trigger serious congestion. The province's solution is the construction of a new, parallel four-lane, 2.2-kilometre bridge that will carry Toronto-bound traffic over the Welland Canal while the original structure is rehabilitated to carry Niagara-bound traffic. This twinning approach ensures continued traffic flow and future-proofs the route for expansion and increased demand.

“We look forward to working with the Ministry of Transportation and with Skyway Bridging Partners as our Development Partner for the QEW Garden City Skyway – Bridge Twinning Project. This collaborative phase that we’re now entering allows us to work together on complex scope, risk and design elements which will help deliver this transformative infrastructure project for the St. Catharines/Niagara region."

Interim President & CEO of Infrastructure Ontario | Angela Clayton

Project Scope and Development Phase

ReNew Canada reports that Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) have selected Skyway Bridging Partners as the development partner through a fair, competitive procurement process. The team has signed a Development Phase Agreement under the Progressive Design-Build model, which promotes collaborative planning and risk mitigation prior to construction.

Skyway Bridging Partners includes a consortium of experienced players:

• Applicant Lead & Construction Team: Flatiron Dragados Canada Inc., Construction Demathieu & Bard Inc., Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.

• Primary Design Team: Arcadis Professional Services (Canada) Inc., GHD Ltd.

This team will be responsible for designing the bridge, associated roadwork, ramps, and utility relocation. The development phase is expected to last approximately 19 months. Upon its conclusion, IO and MTO will have the option to proceed with Skyway Bridging Partners for the construction phase.

Economic and Workforce Implications

Beyond its transportation benefits, the project is a catalyst for economic and job growth in the region. Thousands of well-paying positions will be created for skilled workers, including:

• Civil engineers and bridge designers

• Heavy equipment operators

• Concrete specialists and rebar installers

• Crane operators and steelworkers

• Electrical and mechanical trades

• Surveyors and project managers

The QEW corridor itself plays a crucial role in Ontario's economic engine, with the Greater Golden Horseshoe accounting for two-thirds of the province’s population and most of its commercial traffic. As a vital conduit to Niagara Falls, a tourism magnet that draws 12 million visitors annually, the bridge also supports the hospitality and retail sectors.

Engineering Highlights and Community Impact

The twin bridge will feature modern engineering solutions designed for durability, safety, and environmental stewardship. Its design will consider current traffic loads and projected growth, ensuring it remains viable for decades. The twinning approach also minimizes disruption during construction, sparing residents and commuters from years of potential gridlock.

The Development Phase will also involve close collaboration among engineers, urban planners, and environmental consultants to address complex issues such as:

• Soil conditions and geotechnical challenges

• Impact on the Welland Canal and nearby ecosystems

• Integration with existing transportation infrastructure

• Resilience to weather and seismic events

The province’s approach sets a precedent for infrastructure delivery that balances technical complexity with public benefit.

Conclusion: Building for the Future

The QEW Garden City Skyway Bridge Twinning Project exemplifies Ontario’s commitment to forward-thinking infrastructure investment. By twinning the bridge, the province not only addresses immediate rehabilitation needs but also ensures the region is well-positioned for long-term growth. For construction professionals, the project presents a wealth of opportunities, from technical challenges to job creation, contributing to a legacy of resilient and future-ready transportation.