First cable-stayed bridge in Ontario starts construction

Ontario’s first cable-stayed bridge is starting construction on the Trans-Canada east of Thunder Bay. The new Nipigon River Bridge replaces an existing two lane structure with a dramatic signature bridge that has three towers rising to 70 metres above the river. Carrying four lanes and a walkway, the main span is 139 metres long, and total length is 252 metres. 

Michael Gravelle, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Mines says the bridge, “will be a magnificent structure and will certainly improve travel for countless local residents, visitors, businesses and families.

The engineering design for the bridge is by McCormick Rankin Corporation of Mississauga, in conjunction with Buckland & Taylor of Vancouver, who have designed cable-stayed bridges around the world.

Bot Construction has the $106-million contract to build it and Hatch Mott MacDonald is doing construction contract administration services. The bridge will be built in two stages.

The new crossing is part of a 104-kilometre expansion of the Highway 11-17 corridor, of which some portions are nearing completion. The Nipigon River bridge is being built in two stages and is expected to be completed in 2017.