Drivers of heavy vehicles in Ajax will need to find another way across Shoal Point Road starting today, as the Town has imposed load restrictions on the bridge over the crossing.
The restrictions took effect at 12:00:01 a.m. on October 30, 2026, according to a Town of Ajax notice. Maximum vehicle load limits now apply to all traffic crossing the Shoal Point Road Bridge, and operators who exceed the posted limits are required to use an alternate route.
The Town said the restrictions are being put in place because of the bridge's structural capacity, in the interest of protecting public safety and preserving municipal infrastructure. The limits are meant to protect the structural integrity of the bridge, extend its service life, and keep the travelling public safe.
Regulatory signage showing the load restrictions will be installed and maintained at the bridge approaches, the notice said. All vehicle operators are required to comply with the posted limits.
The restrictions are set to remain in effect until 11:59:59 p.m. on October 29, 2031, or until the bridge is reconstructed — whichever comes first.
Reconstruction planned
The Town's stated goal is to design and reconstruct the bridge by December 31, 2028, which could lift the limits earlier than the 2031 end date.
In the meantime, the posted restrictions mean drivers of trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles that exceed the limits will need to plan detours around the crossing for the foreseeable future. The Town has not specified the exact weight thresholds in the notice beyond stating that maximum load limits apply to all traffic crossing the bridge.
Who to contact
Residents and operators with questions about the load posting can contact the Manager of Infrastructure and Asset Management or the Supervisor of Asset Management with the Town of Ajax, the notice said.
The Town included a location map with the notice to help drivers identify the affected crossing.
