The National Capital Commission says the Hog's Back swing bridge over the Rideau Canal is closed for emergency repairs to the hydraulics system.
The closure was expected to last from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, but the road remained closed into the 4:00 p.m. hour.
Police were called to direct traffic.
Commuters are asked to avoid the area and find an alternate route across the Rideau River and Canal.
The bridge had to be closed twice last week for repairs as well, due to issues with a valve on the bridge.
The NCC issued the following statement,
Hogs Back Bridge was closed today due to a mechanical issue related to the hydraulic system.
This past winter, the NCC rebuilt the electrical and mechanical systems. Despite some upgrades in the last decade, the hydraulic system was custom designed and installed 40 years ago.
The repairs require regular opening and closing of the bridge in order identify and repair the hydraulics. This means that there may be more closures this season.
After the season, we will work on modernizing the system to prevent future closures.
In the meantime, the NCC is trying to accommodate all users of the bridge. We want to reinforce that Hogs Back Bridge is safe for all: boaters, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.