Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge: A New Era in Connectivity for Burlington, Ontario

Over the years, we have successfully delivered some of Metrolinx’s most complex infrastructure projects. The recent completion of the Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge represents a significant achievement and a testament to our collective dedication and vision of enhancing connectivity across Ontario.

Overcoming Challenges through Unified Solutions

Construction of the Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge confronted demanding circumstances, including tight timelines, municipal requirements, and a densely packed utility corridor. Through collaboration, our teams rose to the occasion, finding innovative solutions to maintain progress. This approach reflects EllisDon’s core values of integrity, accountability, and a commitment to positive community impact, positioning us for continued success alongside one of our most valued clients.

“The Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge exemplifies what’s possible when we bring together innovation, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to the communities we serve,” said Josh Manning, Senior Vice President and Area Manager, Toronto Civil, EllisDon. “We are immensely proud of our team and grateful for our partnership with Metrolinx and the City of Burlington. This bridge is more than a structure, it’s a promise to deliver lasting value for the people of Ontario.”

Putting Community First: A Holistic Approach

More than a feat of engineering, this project was about people. Working closely with Metrolinx and the City of Burlington, EllisDon prioritized minimizing disruption and maintaining vital community connections. Our comprehensive strategy included:

• Proactive Communication: We kept residents and businesses informed through regular updates, site visits, and construction notices.
• Ensuring Safe Passage: During bridge closure, we worked with Metrolinx and City of Burlington to introduce an on-demand taxi service within a designated catchment area to ensure residents can traverse both sides safely.
• Restoring & Enhancing Local Properties: Post-construction, we reinstated asphalt and sod on affected properties, often exceeding expectations.

Pioneering Engineering Solutions under Pressure

The Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge required precision, adaptability, and forward-thinking. The site presented a dense corridor of utilities, strict nighttime work limitations, and an accelerated schedule. Thanks to our team’s expertise, we completed the bridge from groundbreaking to grand opening in just eight months—a remarkable accomplishment. Key approaches included:

• Innovative Prefabrication: The entire steel superstructure was fabricated off-site and delivered in segments, then expertly assembled on-site for optimal efficiency and quality control.
• Self-Performed Construction: EllisDon managed core scopes internally—site preparation, excavation, bridge foundations, drainage, formwork, bridge ramps, sidewalks, and curbs.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving: When unforeseen issues arose (such as a sanitary sewer incident and delays in steel mesh delivery), we worked closely with Metrolinx and the City of Burlington to keep the project on track.

Designing for Longevity and Accessibility

The Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge is built for the future. Its design meets and anticipates evolving standards, including:

• Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (S6)
• Ontario Building Code (OBC)
• City of Burlington Accessibility Design Standards
• Metrolinx Requirements for future rail electrification

Notable features include a Warren truss for structural integrity, fully accessible ramps for inclusivity, and a concealed central support system that creates the visual impression of floating ramps.

Delivering Lasting Value

The Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge is more than infrastructure—it is a symbol of EllisDon’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and genuine community care. By spanning three rail tracks and connecting Burlington neighbourhoods, the bridge provides a vital, safe, and accessible link that supports the future of rail transit.

We invite you to explore the transformation, watch our video and view before-and-after photos celebrating this extraordinary achievement.