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Decades-old J.R. Stork bridge in St. Catharines being replaced by modern structure to address traffic demand and capacity
June 2, 2026
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the Regional Road network, Niagara Region will be replacing the decades-old J.R Stork bridge in St. Catharines. The new modern structure will address traffic flow and capacity demand in the area.
The project, originally anticipated to take 12 months, is expected to begin next week and to be completed by the end of the year, minimizing the impact on the community.
The J.R. Stork bridge, originally constructed in 1967, has one lane in each direction with a sidewalk on the east side. Niagara Region completed an analysis of the bridge in 2019, recommending replacement of the bridge. The overall project includes the complete replacement of the existing structure, as well as the reconstruction of the approaching roadways on either side of the bridge.
This project is being coordinated with Niagara Region’s Water and Wastewater Division as it includes replacement of the existing watermain crossing under Richardson's Creek.
Work is expected to begin Monday, June 8 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
The traffic impacts of this project are as follows:
- Martindale Road must be closed to through traffic from Main Street (Regional Road 87) to South Service Road (Regional Road 40) for the duration of construction to complete removal and replacement of J.R. Stork bridge.
- Martindale Road from Courtland Street to Dalemere Boulevard will be fully closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic for the duration of the work. Local access to Courtland Street will remain available from South Service Road. Dalemere Boulevard will be accessed from Main Street.
“Niagara Region is committed to improving the local Regional Road network in order to ensure the safe and efficient travel of people and goods throughout the area, and a project like the replacement of J.R. Stork bridge fulfills that goal,” says Frank Tassone, Director of Transportation. “While we recognize a project of this size and scale can impact residents, we have a traffic management plan in place to ensure motorists can navigate this area as best as possible as crews work hard to improve and modernize infrastructure for the community.”
The J.R. Stork bridge is one of 219 structures owned and managed by Niagara Region and provides key linkages to hundreds of kilometres of the Regional Road network to move goods and people across all communities every day.
To learn more about the project, visit our project page.
Media contact
Jason Misner
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region
905-980-6000 ext. 3250
jason.misner@niagararegion.ca
