Migratory birds put township bridge rehabilitation project on pause
Posted Jun 26, 2026 05:58:04 AM.
Last Updated Jun 26, 2026 11:15:07 AM.
Construction on the Footbridge Road Bridge in North Dumfries is on hold this summer, and it’s not because of budget, staffing or weather constraints.
Cliff Swallows have nested on the concrete under the bridge, and crews have to keep away until the birds move out.
The species is a migratory bird and is protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act of 1994.
In a social media post, the Township of North Dumfries said it had tried to submit an alternate workplan that would include a buffer zone and avian specialists brought in to monitor the nests while work continued.
Canadian Wildlife Services rejected the plan and said a larger buffer zone (50 metres) from the closest nest was required, meaning work can’t continue until the birds move out.
That could be as late as Aug. 31.
“The bridge will remain closed as originally planned until the Fall of 2026 to complete the required structural repairs to the bridge,” reads a post by the township.
“Township Staff are working with the consulting engineers and bridge contractor on a revised schedule for the completion of the work.”
The bridge across the Grand River just south of Cambridge is undergoing a massive rehabilitation project to extend the life of the aging roadway.
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