Bridge rehabilitation planned for Lakefield in 2027; Selwyn Township outlines upcoming capital projects
By Stacey Sullivan
In a special newsletter sent by the Township of Selwyn on Thursday afternoon, the municipality updated the community on various capital projects taking place throughout the Township over the next year, including several in the Village of Lakefield.
An upcoming project that has been a topic of discussion among many residents and business owners is the planned bridge rehabilitation. Peterborough County is planning structural rehabilitation work on the Otonabee River Bridge and the Trent Canal Bridge in the village. A single-lane closure is anticipated, with work expected to begin in summer 2027.
The newsletter stated, “Planned work includes a joint rehabilitation, asphalt replacement, concrete deck repairs, sidewalk and railing upgrades, and retaining wall improvements. Due to their close proximity, construction on both bridges will occur at the same time. Staging options are currently being reviewed, with input from the Township of Selwyn, emergency services, local businesses, and the public helping guide decisions. A single-lane closure is anticipated, with traffic delays and queuing expected throughout the project. Pedestrian access is expected to be maintained for most of the project, with occasional interruptions.”
The newsletter also noted that a Public Information Centre is being planned for later this summer to provide residents with more information about the bridge rehabilitation project.
Peterborough County is planning structural rehabilitation work on both the Otonabee River bridge and the Trent Canal bridge in Lakefield. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2027, with a single-lane closure anticipated while work is underway. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)
The special newsletter also features other capital projects that are already underway or expected to begin in the coming months. The pavilion in Isabel Morris Park is receiving a new metal roof to replace the existing shingle roof, matching other nearby facilities.
Work is also underway on the refurbishment of the Lakefield standpipe, which includes repairs to internal components, pressure washing of the structure, preparation and priming of exterior surfaces, and the installation of updated signage. As part of the refurbishment, the standpipe will feature a new design incorporating the Selwyn Township logo alongside the original "Lakefield" wording. The project is expected to be completed this summer.
Rehabilitation of the watermain and trunk sewer system along George Street is also expected to begin this summer. The project will upgrade key drinking water and wastewater infrastructure to improve capacity, reliability, and long-term performance. It includes installing a new sanitary sewer to support future housing growth and replacing a section of aging watermain to increase water flow, improve fire protection, and strengthen system reliability. The project is supported by $1.37 million in provincial funding announced earlier this year.
Work is also continuing on the restoration of Lakefield's gateway structures, which mark two of the community's major entrances. The Water Street gateway structure near Block Road was completed in 2025, with the final lettering to be added in 2026. Repairs to the second gateway structure, located on Queen Street near Stewart Drive, are expected to be completed later this summer.
Restoration work continues on Lakefield's gateway structures, which mark two of the community's major entrances. Repairs to the Queen Street gateway are expected to be completed later this summer, while final lettering will be added to the Water Street gateway in 2026. (Photo: Selwyn Township)
Residents can stay informed about these projects through updates posted on the Selwyn Township and Peterborough County websites and social media channels. Road restrictions and traffic impacts will also be available on Municipal511 throughout each project to help residents and visitors plan ahead.