Burlington Canal Lift Bridge closed Jan. 5 until late March

The Burlington Canal Lift Bridge on Eastport Drivewill be closed from Jan. 5 until at leastMarch 20 formaintenance work.

Pedestrian and cyclist pathways are also closed during that time.

The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) is implementing a detour for the Parkdale 11 bus route that will be using the West Service Road next to the bridge.

HSR notes in the event that the nearby Skyway or QEW is closed, the route will be operated on the instructions of the superintendent on duty and is subject to change.

It said if an accident, high winds, snow storm or white-out conditions result in a closure of the Skyway, customers should consult HSR's social media channels for updates on travel between Burlington and downtown Hamilton.

The bridge sits on the western side of Lake Ontario. According toPublic Services and Procurement Canada, "aconstruction project is underway to replace the bridge deck," and that the bridge "experiences a winter shutdown" each year for maintenance and repairs.

The Ministry of Transportation said all lanes at Eastport Drive would be closed until 11:59 p.m. on March 26, while HSR said the bus detour would last until March 31.

Anna Lewis, race director of Hamilton'sAround The Bay Road Race, which normally passes through the area and is slated this year for March 26, told CBCshe is "hoping the construction will be completed as scheduled but are exploring various options if it isn't."