Trent River Crossing (Campbellford Bridge) and Surrounding Road Network

Project background: A new crossing for a growing community

Northumberland County is advancing plans for a second Trent River crossing in Campbellford – a generational infrastructure investment that will enhance transportation efficiency, support economic growth, and strengthen connections within the community. The Trent River Crossing Project reflects a forward-thinking, community-led vision: one which balances heritage and environmental stewardship with growth and innovation.

It is poised to deliver long-term value for taxpayers, residents, and future generations across Northumberland County.

This project was first approved by the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in 2017 following an extensive Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process. With population and visitation steadily increasing, the need for improved transportation capacity and connectivity has become more urgent.

The preferred design – endorsed through a Schedule ‘C’ Class EA process involving studies from 2008 to 2016 – includes a new bridge linking Second Street on the east side of the river to Alma Street on the west. This new crossing will significantly reduce congestion on the existing bridge, enhance road safety, and improve mobility for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Importantly, this project is being shaped by the community. Input received through multiple rounds of public consultation, from early planning stages in 2014 through to public information sessions in 2020 and 2023, has helped define priorities, identify opportunities, and refine the design. The result is a transportation corridor designed not only for traffic movement, but as a community space that integrates with the surrounding neighbourhood and natural environment.

Trent River Crossing: Project Rationale

The second river crossing is a strategic response to challenges that are already being felt today – and will only grow in the years ahead:

• Population and traffic growth: Campbellford and Trent Hills are experiencing steady growth, and the existing bridge sees approximately 5,000 vehicle crossings each day. A second bridge will ensure safe, reliable access for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
• Economic benefits: The project is expected to support over 400 jobs and generate more than $70 million in economic activity during construction. Once complete, improved transportation flow will help strengthen local tourism – currently estimated at 272,000 visitors per year – and reduce daily travel time for thousands of drivers.
• Community resilience: By providing a secondary access route across the river, the new bridge will increase community resilience in the event of emergencies or disruptions to the existing crossing such as ongoing repairs and major upgrades required in the future.
• Active transportation: New cycling lanes and sidewalks will promote healthy, low-carbon travel and improve safety for all road users.

Project Design

• The proposed 188-metre bridge and surrounding network improvements will include:
  • Two travel lanes for vehicles
  • Dedicated pedestrian sidewalks and bicycle lanes
  • Five bridge spans and four piers
  • A roundabout at the Grand Road/Alma Street intersection
  • A pedestrian/cyclist pathway along the Trent River under the bridge
  • An overpass over Saskatoon Avenue on the east side
  • Intersection upgrades and new active transportation infrastructure on surrounding roads

Project Status

• Design work began in Spring 2019, following approval of the EA and environmental studies dating back to 2008.
• Public information sessions were held in 2020 and 2023 to share design concepts and gather community feedback.
• Based on feedback, an Addendum to the Environmental Study Report (ESR) was issued in March 2021, confirming design updates including the roundabout on the west approach.
• Final detailed design is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.
• In 2025, the County began the process to acquire the necessary adjacent properties to support the construction of the bridge.
• Construction activities began in 2025 with the relocation of utilities. Demolition of three homes is planned for the fall of 2025.
• In early 2026, it is anticipated that a project tender will be issued, dependent on approval of financing and permits

You can find a full project timeline on the right-hand side of this page.

Stay Involved

Northumberland County remains committed to an open and inclusive process. Public feedback continues to shape this project, and further opportunities for engagement will be shared throughout the next phases.

• Subscribe to our email list to receive project updates and engagement opportunities. Click 'Subscribe' under the 'Stay Informed' box.
• Review project documents from the 2020 and 2023 public information sessions, available in the ‘Documents’ section on the right.

Join in the conversation

• Subscribe to our email distribution list for updates about the project and opportunities to provide your feedback. Click 'subscribe' under the 'Stay Informed' box.
• Review materials from the first round of public information sessions in 2020, as well as the second public information session in April of 2023 in teh document section to the right.

Review the detailed design

Watch a video of the proposed design plan

View an interactive map

Review the detailed design presentation

Or download an accessible PDF copy of this presentation.