Seaway bridge status - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Salaberry / Beauharnois / Suroît Region
  • What has changed on the Bridge Status webpage?

    The SLSMC is committed to continually improving processes to provide reliable services. This includes our Bridge Status webpage. We have recently launched our new bridge status tool for the Salaberry/Beauharnois/Suroît Region.

    New features include:
    • predictions for the next 60 minutes (previous version provided 30 minutes)
    • predictions for all types of bridge lifts: commercial vessels, pleasure crafts and maintenance (previous version provided predictions for commercial vessels only)
    • new and improved design


  • How can I use the Bridge Status webpage to plan my day? Know before you go!

    View the Status section for the following real-time information on bridge availability:
    • Green = available
    • Red = unavailable
    • Yellow = available but an anticipated bridge lift will occur within the next 15 minutes


    View the Next 60 mins section for anticipated times the bridge will be unavailable due to bridge lifts.

    View the Bridge Outage section for anticipated times the bridge will be unavailable for an extended period due to maintenance work. Note: If there are no anticipated bridge outages within the next 48 hours, this section will not be visible.


  • Why are bridge lift notifications only posted for the “Next 60 minutes”?

    It all comes down to accuracy. Sixty (60) minutes prior to a bridge lift, notifications are more accurate in determining when a commercial vessel will arrive at a bridge. This is because maintaining a vessel’s optimal flow depends on several factors such as wind, current, marine traffic or even enforced pilotage measures which have an effect on the timing of each vessel approaching bridges and locks. These factors vary from one vessel to the other.

    Therefore, to ensure we offer bridge users a reliable planning tool, we provide a prediction for the “Next 60 minutes”. As the time of the anticipated bridge lift approaches, our level of accuracy also improves.


  • Why is it that the predictions are not always accurate within the “Next 60 minutes”?

    There are a number of factors that come into play:
    • The weather
    • Marine traffic
    • Type of vessels
    • Road Issues
    • Emergency Actions


    In addition, the vessel’s optimal flow depends on several factors such as wind, current, marine traffic or even enforced pilotage measures which have an effect on the timing of each vessel approaching bridges and locks. These factors vary from one vessel to the other.


  • How long will a bridge typically be “unavailable” due to a bridge lift?

    There are many variables that affect the exact time for a bridge to be unavailable due to a lift. That said, here are some averages:

    • For commercial vessels, the process takes approximately 15 minutes.
    • For pleasure crafts and maintenance work, the process takes approximately 10 minutes.


  • Why do some anticipated times have an asterisk while others don’t?

    As previously mentioned, several factors can have an impact on the timing of each vessel approaching bridges and locks. In the case of a commercial vessel transit, the asterisk will appear if the anticipated time is more likely to be impacted by those other factors. Again, as the time of the anticipated bridge lift approaches, our level of accuracy also improves.


  • Why are bridges lifted even if there is no vessel passing?

    In some cases, the bridge is lifted for regular maintenance or bridge closures due to security issues or unforeseen circumstances including ground or traffic incidents. Information on bridge closures and maintenance work can be found on our Bridge Status webpage.


  • Are the times posted on your website for the pleasure craft bridge lift schedule accurate?

    Pleasure Craft: Everything you need to know

    During the pleasure craft season, bridge lifts will be performed at scheduled times. If no pleasure crafts are present, the bridge lift will not occur.

    Please note that factors such as wind, current and marine traffic may also have an impact on this schedule.


  • How can I communicate with the Seaway if I have feedback to share?

    Please fill out the feedback form on the Contact Us page of the SLSMC’s website.