The Waaban Crossing, Kingston’s largest infrastructure project to date, is set to open next month.
The new 1.2-km bridge, a $180-million-dollar project is being completed on time and on budget and the official opening ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Dec. 13.
Known as the Third Crossing during construction, it’s the first bridge project in North America to be delivered using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model. Officials say the design and construction are the result of ongoing collaboration with the city’s IPD partners: Peter Kiewit Sons ULC (Kiewit), Hatch Ltd. (Hatch) and SYSTRA International Bridge Technologies (SYSTRA).
The project team was selected in August 2018 after seven international teams initially replied to a request for proposals.
“The Waaban Crossing, Kingston’s largest infrastructure project in the city’s history, has finally come to fruition. I am pleased that this crossing will connect our city and I am confident it will enhance the quality of life for Kingston residents for generations to come,” says MP Mark Gerretsen.
“It has been a truly collaborative effort and I am thrilled that the federal government’s partnership with the city and the province has made this possible for our city. I am grateful to the construction team and all those who have been a part of completing the crossing – a new dawn is upon us.”
After a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 13, the new crossing will support ongoing growth and development in the Kingston community, enhance access for emergency services and advance an active transportation network.
Community benefits during construction include:
- More than 320,000 hours in local contracts and labour from Kingston and surrounding area
- 93 contracts secured with local businesses
- over $10,000 in charitable donations given by contractors, and over 80 community service hours offered by the contractors.
“I am beyond proud to celebrate this historic moment and officially open the Waaban Crossing,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “Thank you to the project team, the countless people who physically built this bridge in all kinds of weather and during a global pandemic, and the wider community for your support over the years.
“As we move forward with the new name Waaban Crossing, the bridge offers each of us a chance to reflect on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Kingston, encouraging us to continue to work together to build a thriving community.”
To mark the historic occasion, the city is partnering with United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) to offer the chance for three community members to be the first to travel across the new bridge.
“United Way and its funded agencies are grateful for the longstanding partnership with our government partners at the federal, provincial and local level,” says Bhavana Varma, president and CEO of United Way. “We are very honoured that the City of Kingston has included the United Way on this historic day, and to be able to raise funds that will be invested in local programs that help those in need.”
Proceeds will go to United Way’s community programming. Visit 32Auctions.com/WaabanCrossing to place a bid. The winners will be announced on Dec. 7 and contacted directly by United Way staff.