New Colborne Street bridge plans unveiled in Lindsay

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The long-awaited Colborne Street Bridge project in Lindsay is finally moving forward, with the City of Kawartha Lakes, sharing detailed design plans during a recent Public Information Centre (PIC). The new structure will span the Scugog River, linking Colborne Street West and Colborne Street East and creating a much-needed east-west connection through town.

The project has been in the works for decades, with its roots dating back to Environmental Assessment (EA) studies in 1994 and 2000. After years of planning and review, the city now anticipates construction to begin in late 2026, following a tender process earlier that year. Construction is expected to continue through 2028.

“This bridge is going to make a big difference,” said longtime Lindsay resident Howard Fletcher. “But honestly, they should’ve done this 30 or 40 years ago. The traffic backups we’ve had to deal with, all this time, have been ridiculous.”

The bridge design includes two lanes for vehicle traffic and sidewalks on both sides to ensure pedestrian safety. The single-span Bowstring Arch design was selected to blend with the heritage character of the Trent-Severn Waterway. It also includes a 4.5 metre clearance for boat traffic and enough hydraulic capacity to handle a 100-year storm event.

“It’s good to see some movement on this. People have been talking about it since I was a kid,” said local business owner Jenna Paul. “It’s not just about traffic, it’s about connecting communities and preparing Lindsay for the future.”

To support the bridge and improve traffic flow, the City will upgrade nearby intersections. These include Colborne Street’s junctions with William Street North and Lindsay Street North, both of which will receive new traffic signals, turning lanes, pedestrian crosswalks, and upgraded street lighting. A new connection to the multi-use trail system will also be added.

Residents of nearby apartment and retirement complexes can expect maintained access and improved pedestrian routes. Changes will include relocated parking access and upgrades to the lower driveway at William Place Retirement Residence.

“I’m happy they’re thinking about the older folks who live here too,” said Frank MacLean, a resident of the nearby William Place. “It’ll be noisy during construction, but this will benefit everyone in the long run.”

The project is currently at the 60 percent detailed design stage, with the next phase, 90 percent design, now underway.

City officials say, residents can view the full presentation and display boards, from the PIC, on the city’s Major Projects webpage.