Work on Brantford dike begins October 1

Work on the dike and river channel along the Grand River downstream of Veterans Memorial Bridge in Brantford is expected to get underway on Monday, October 1, 2018 and will take approximately three months to complete, weather permitting.

The work will be carried out along the base of concrete slabs, which protect the face of the dike. Armour stone and rip rap (large loose rock) will be put in place where the riverbed meets the concrete slabs. The slabs are heavily exposed to ice during breakup in this portion of the river and they have deteriorated since the dike was constructed. This will stabilize erosion at the base of the slabs to ensure they continue to help manage the risk of flooding. Repairs above the water in this area were completed in 2015.

Additional work will be done to reduce the height of the sediment bar in the river channel along River Road, from Gladstone Avenue to Marlene Avenue, by approximately one metre. This work will restore the storm sewer outlet function for the area and increase river channel capacity for floodwater and ice passage. A section of the floodwall will be temporarily removed to allow trucks and equipment to access the area. River flows at this time of year are low; however, a contingency plan is in place in the event of higher flows. River Road in this area will be affected by temporary lane closures to allow for this work. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has hired Dynex Construction Inc. to complete this $668,000 contract.

Construction overview of the Brantford dike project.