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Speed River Bridge on Speedvale: 4-Week Closure Starts Sept 28

Written by Lily Montgomery • Published September 1, 2026 • Last verified September 1, 2026

What you need to know:

The Speed River bridge on Speedvale Avenue East closes on September 28 for four weeks, weather permitting.

The closure is part of Phase 2 of the bridge replacement project, which began in February 2026 and is expected to finish by spring 2028.

No vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians can use the bridge during the closure; use Woodlawn Road, Wellington Street, or Scottsdale Drive as alternatives.

The city has not published a specific detour map; check your route before travelling.

For questions or concerns, call the city at 519-822-1260 or email info@guelph.ca.

The bridge carrying Speedvale Avenue East over the Speed River will close on September 28. The closure lasts four weeks, weather permitting. During that time, no vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians will cross the bridge. This is part of Phase 2 of a larger bridge replacement project that began in February 2026. The city expects all Phase 2 construction to wrap up by spring 2028.

This closure affects anyone who uses Speedvale Avenue East to cross the river. That includes commuters, school buses, delivery drivers, and people walking or cycling along the river trails. The bridge is a key link between the east end and the rest of the city. With it shut, traffic will need to find other routes across the Speed River.

What are your options? The nearest alternative crossings are to the north and south. To the north, you can use the bridge at Woodlawn Road. To the south, the Wellington Street bridge or the Scottsdale Drive bridge might work, depending on where you're headed. Local streets like Edinburgh Road and Stevenson Street will likely see more traffic, so allow extra time. The city has not published a specific detour map, so it's smart to check your usual route before you leave.

Why is this happening? The bridge is being replaced in phases to keep the road open as long as possible. Phase 1 likely involved some work on the approaches or utilities. Phase 2, which includes this closure, is the main bridge replacement. The project timeline stretches to 2028 because it's a major structure over a river, requiring careful engineering and seasonal construction windows.

For pedestrians and cyclists, the closure means the river crossing at Speedvale is off-limits. The trails along the Speed River are popular, but you'll need to find another way across. The city's trail network connects to bridges at other points, such as the pedestrian bridge near Riverside Park or the bridge at Wellington Street. Check the city's trail map for the nearest open crossing.

The city posted a construction notice on its website on September 1. That notice includes a map showing the bridge location and the closure area. It also lists the project timeline and contact information for the city's engineering department. If you have questions about the project or need to report an issue, you can call the city's service line at 519-822-1260 or email info@guelph.ca.

One more thing to know: this closure is separate from the ongoing work on the Hanlon Expressway or other road projects. It's specific to the Speedvale bridge. So if you normally use Speedvale to get to the Hanlon, you might need to adjust your route entirely. Plan ahead, leave earlier, and consider carpooling or taking transit if possible.

After the four-week closure, the bridge will reopen to traffic, but construction will continue. Expect lane restrictions or occasional overnight closures as the project progresses. The city will post updates on its website and through its social media channels. You can also sign up for construction notices to get email alerts about changes.

For now, mark your calendar: September 28 is when the bridge closes. If you cross the Speed River on Speedvale, find an alternate route before then. Check the city's website for the latest details, and if you're unsure about the detour, call the city. It's better to know your plan now than to sit in traffic later.

Sources

City of Guelph construction notice

Speed River Bridge on Speedvale: 4-Week Closure Starts Sept 28

What you need to know:

Sources

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