Detailed design begins for replacement of historic Little Current Bridge

The Little Current Swing Bridge, originally completed in 1913 and later adapted for vehicular traffic, has served as a critical link for communities and commerce on Manitoulin Island. Ontario is advancing plans to replace the aging Little Current Swing Bridge, which connects Manitoulin Island to the mainland, by initiating the detailed design phase and property acquisition. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) officially announced the next steps on October 9.

The project aims to deliver a new two-lane bridge, incorporating features to support pedestrian and cycling traffic. The current swing bridge serves both vehicular and marine passage, but its single-lane configuration and mechanical limitations have long been flagged as constraints in the area’s infrastructure network.

With the preliminary planning and environmental assessments already completed, the province now moves into property acquisition and rights-of-way designation, foundational steps required before detailed engineering work can proceed. The contract for the detailed design has been awarded, marking a transition from concept to construction preparation.

To address sea traffic, MTO indicates that the new bridge will retain a mechanism for marine passage, though the exact technical form, whether swing, lift, or drawbridge, will be refined during the design stage.

Government officials emphasized that while design and property works proceed, maintenance of the existing bridge will continue to ensure safety and operations endure until the new bridge is in place.