'Significant delays' expected this weekend as parts of Hwy. 7/8 close for pedestrian bridge installation

A portion of Highway 7/8 in Kitchener will be closed this weekend as the Region of Waterloo installs a new pedestrian bridge.

There will be lane closures on Hwy. 7/8 starting on Saturday with a full closure starting 12:01 a.m. Sunday.

"And we're hoping to reopen the highway by 5 a.m. on Monday," Andrew Doman, a senior engineer with the Region of Waterloo said.

There will also be other closures in the area including Chandler Drive, between Woodfern Court and Strasburg Road, for a few hours.

According to the region, the new bridge will be lifted and placed across the highway between the Fischer Hallman Rd and Homer Watson Blvd interchanges.

“Please plan ahead as significant delays are expected in these affected areas during the highway closure,” the region said on their website.

The bridge will be placed near Strasburg Rd, to connect both sides of the highway.

"The neighborhood's just north of the highway, There's a bit of isolation, mainly due to the highway. They can't get to some destinations south of the highway in a direct and convenient fashion," Doman said.

The region said Highway 7/8 will reopen with a single lane on Sunday before midnight and all lanes will fully open by Monday at 5 a.m.

During the full closure on Sunday, eastbound highway traffic will be diverted off at the Fisher Hallman Rd interchange, and westbound highway traffic will be diverted off at the Homer Watson Blvd interchange. Ottawa Street will be used as the detour route, according to the region.

"Unfortunately, due to the timing, there is an active construction. But we're definitely taking measures such as paid duty police officers to help assist the traffic," Doman said.

Doman said Sunday is typically when the highway sees the lowest traffic volume.

Residents on the north side of the highway said they’re looking forward to the new bridge.

"It will be very, very useful. I will walk there and other people will also use it," Sunita Tuteja said.

"It'll be much easier. It's a nice walk going, but coming back with your groceries, What a struggle. So this will make it much easier," Judy Cantwell said.

The region started construction on the bridge in 2022. It's costing $9.5 million, with 73% funded by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This program is funded by the Provincial Government (33%) and the Federal Government (40%).

“It's been a tough journey, especially due to supply chain issues with the fabrication of the bridge. But we're very happy and excited to be able to bring this to improve connectivity, Doman said.

“We've been waiting for it. We've seen it slowly coming,” Cantwell said.

Doman said the bridge will be in place after the weekend, but it will still take a bit more time before it is opened for use.

“There's still a good amount of work left to do with the elevated ramps and stairways, but we're hoping to get it done before the end of this year,” Doman said.

On-ramp closure

There will be another closure this weekend.

From Saturday, starting at 6 p.m. until Monday until 5 a.m., the on-ramp to the westbound 401 from King Street East will be closed.

Signs are posted along King Street East, warning drivers to plan alternate routes.

The work was supposed to be done last weekend but officials postponed it due to the weather.

Signs are posted along King Street East, warning drivers to plan alternate routes. (CTV News/Dan Lauckner)

Here is a full list of road closures in Waterloo Region.