The Burlington Skyway is back to normal. After more than two years of work, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) rehabilitation of the Niagara-bound Skyway bridge on the QEW is now complete, and the project's official website says no lane closures are planned. Here is what the Burlington Skyway rehabilitation involved, what was done to the bridge and its approaches, what it meant for drivers, and what to know now that the construction is finished.
Burlington Skyway Rehabilitation: Quick Facts
What: rehabilitation of the 2.2-kilometre Niagara-bound QEW Burlington Bay Skyway bridge, plus illumination upgrades in both directions of the QEW
Where: from north of Northshore Boulevard to south of the Skyway bridge, in Burlington and Hamilton
Who: Ontario's Ministry of Transportation, with Alliance Verdi Civil Inc. as contractor and AECOM Canada providing construction administration and oversight
Started: May 2024
Status: the project website says the work has been completed, and its closures page says no lane closures are planned
Purpose: to extend the service life of the Niagara-bound lanes
The project site had earlier listed December 2026 as the anticipated completion date, so the bridge work has wrapped up ahead of that schedule.
What Work Was Done on the Skyway?
The Bridge Itself
The bridge rehabilitation included:
removing and replacing the concrete barrier walls on both sides of the Niagara-bound bridge
concrete deck repair
bridge deck waterproofing
deck drainage upgrades
new asphalt paving
The Approaches, Signs, and Lighting
Other work around the bridge included:
widening the QEW by one lane approaching the bridge, from north of Northshore Boulevard to the bridge, with an associated realignment of the north-to-south on-ramp
new overhead sign structures
a new Burlington Lift Bridge notification system with variable message signs
illumination upgrades in both directions of the QEW
The Province describes the upgrades as a way to extend the lifespan of the bridge and improve the drive along one of Canada's most important trade corridors.
What It Meant for Drivers
The contract was designed with closures in mind. The MTO said construction would take place at night and on weekends, with short overnight lane closures and, at times, short overnight full closures. The contract required a minimum of 24 weekend closures over its three years, and each of those closed two of the bridge's four lanes from 10 p.m. on Friday until 5 a.m. on Monday. During closures, the Niagara-bound ramp from the Eastport Drive collector to the bridge could be closed, while the Eastport Drive collector and mainline lanes and the ramps at Northshore Boulevard stayed open as alternate routes.
Now that the project is complete, the closures are over.
Why the Skyway Matters
The Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway is a pair of high-level freeway bridges spanning the Burlington Canal and connecting Burlington and Hamilton. It is part of the Queen Elizabeth Way, which links Fort Erie with Toronto, and it is one of the key routes for commuters, trucks, and visitors travelling between the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara. For many Burlington residents, it is also a familiar part of the skyline, visible from the lakefront and from spots like Beachway Park.
A Quick History of the Skyway
The first bridge opened on October 30, 1958, and at the time it was billed as the longest bridge in Canada. It carried a toll until 1973, and a second, parallel span was added in 1985. The structure has been officially named the Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway since 1988, though most people simply call it the Skyway. For more on how the area developed, read the surprising history behind Burlington, Ontario.
What Drivers Should Know Now
Check before you go. Ontario 511 (511on.ca) shows construction and lane closures across the province, including on the QEW.
A longer approach lane. The QEW now has an added lane approaching the bridge from north of Northshore Boulevard, along with a realigned north-to-south on-ramp.
New signs. Look for the new overhead signs and the Burlington Lift Bridge notification system with variable message signs.
Closures can still happen. The end of this contract does not guarantee the Skyway will never close for other reasons, such as weather, collisions, or future maintenance.
Burlington Skyway FAQ
Is the Burlington Skyway Construction Finished?
Yes. The official project website for the QEW Burlington Bay Skyway says the work has been completed, and its closures page says no lane closures are planned.
When Did the Skyway Rehabilitation Start?
Construction began in May 2024.
What Part of the Skyway Was Rehabilitated?
The Niagara-bound, 2.2-kilometre bridge on the QEW, plus lighting upgrades in both directions from north of Northshore Boulevard to south of the bridge.
Who Did the Work?
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation hired Alliance Verdi Civil Inc. as the contractor, with AECOM Canada providing construction administration and oversight.
Where Can I Check for Closures?
Ontario 511 at 511on.ca and its mobile app show current closures and construction on provincial highways.
When Was the Skyway Built?
The first bridge opened in 1958, and a second span was added in 1985.
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