Construction of the King-Liberty Pedestrian/Cyclist Bridge over the Metrolinx Rail Corridor is in its final stages with installation of elevators, security systems, and final inspections being completed over the coming months. The City is working closely with its contractors to complete the remaining work and has identified a schedule for a phased opening of the bridge to the public. An opening date is anticipated for April 19, 2021 with pedestrian access only available via stairs. Please note that while the bridge will be open to the public, it will not be fully accessible to all users until elevator installations and inspections have been completed later this summer or an earlier date.
Contractors are currently working to demobilize and clear the work zone in preparation for the phased opening of the bridge to the public. Construction will however continue into the spring and summer months after the bridge has opened. Fences, hoarding, and signs will be installed to protect the public while contractors complete the remaining works. Minor soft landscaping work including restoration of the adjacent dog park will be completed later in 2021.
Thank you for your patience waiting as we complete this new bridge for the community.
The King-Liberty Pedestrian Cycle Bridge over the Metrolinx Kitchener / Milton Rail Corridor will span from Douro Street to the western leg of Western Battery Road.
This new bridge will provide a convenient and more direct route from Liberty Village to King Street West between Atlantic Avenue and Strachan Avenue. The project is part of the Council-approved 2018 Capital Works Program.
The bridge design includes the following:
The location and general design of the bridge was endorsed by City Council in December 2011.
Further details on the bridge design, construction and public consultation history is available below.
To request assistance viewing these images, please email or contact Jason Diceman at 416-338-2830.
The City will have to remove 26 trees from the boulevard. Trees will be replaced with an estimated 84 new trees and shrubs by the Urban Forestry.
Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, with work after hours and on weekends as required.
In order to complete the work in a safe manner, there will be road and sidewalk restrictions within the construction work zone. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
Access to the dog park entrance will be maintained
During construction, on-street parking will be restricted adjacent to the work areas, with reduced parking space available on both Douro Street and Western Battery Road.
Metrolinx requires two metre high barrier walls on this bridge because it extends across the rail corridor. The proposed design includes a roof, which will minimize the need for winter maintenance and provide greater comfort for bridge users in inclement weather.
Ramps were considered in the 2011 Class Environmental Assessment Study, but were not recommended for several reasons. As documented in the 2011 staff report to Council (item PW9.6)
“A ramp even at the maximum grade (1 in 12) would be over 100 m long (particularly on the north side of the crossing) and hence unattractive to its users, visually obtrusive (conflicting with the urban design objectives for the area), and difficult to keep clear of ice and snow at all times. A large ramp structure would impinge on Douro Street and require removal of trees, while hampering future efforts to introduce a multi-use pathway along the rail corridor.”
The approved design includes elevators and stairs, which have the following advantages:
See further details on the 2011 Class Environmental Assessment Study web page.
The personal security measures for the King Liberty Bridge structure, elevators and stairs will include:
The City will carry out regular maintenance on the bridge, including snow clearance at the approaches, removal of garbage and regular cleaning. Routine inspections of the bridge will also be carried out and rehabilitation scheduled on an as needed basis.
Yes, the bridge will be available for 24-hour use with lighting and security cameras.
No active heating or air-cooling will provided in the pedestrians pathways or elevators. Openings will be provided for passive air circulation in the stairs and bridge deck passage way.
A small strip of land between Western Battery Road and the rail corridor will be required to accommodate the preferred location and design of the bridge. In addition, the City and Metrolinx are working to develop the terms and conditions of the necessary construction and crossing agreements needed to allow construction and operation of the bridge over the rail corridor.
Some roadway and sidewalk restrictions will be required on Douro Street and Western Battery Road during portions of construction. No closures are expected to King Street West or other neighbouring major streets.
This project is not anticipated to effect or cause change to any local TTC or GO Transit services.
This bridge will be a convenient connection for local residents. Lighting and other elements will be designed with consideration of adjacent apartments.
The new GO/SmartTrack station proposed for Liberty Village is to be located north of King Street West. While the King-Liberty Bridge will not provide a direct connection to the SmartTrack Station, some residents may use the bridge to access other connecting routes to the station. Learn more about the SmartTrack Stations Program.
The King High Line bridge is a third party concept that has not been studied by the City, nor formally proposed to the City. From their web page, the idea for this bridge would be west of the rail corridor providing access to the north side of King Street West and Sudbury Street beyond. The King-Liberty Bridge does not conflict with the King High Line concept.
See the King-Liberty Pedestrian Cycle Bridge Environmental Assessment
