Winnipeg building new Disraeli Bridges
January 2, 2012
By
Canadian Consulting Engineer
Winnipeg's largest bridge project to date is under construction, involving the replacement of two bridges on a major transportation route into the downtown.
Winnipeg’s largest bridge project to date is under construction, involving the replacement of two bridges on a major transportation route into the downtown.
The Disraeli Bridges were built 50 years ago and now sit along route 42, connecting the communities of Elmwood and Point Douglas. Thanks to salt and weather factors the structures have corroded and deteriorated to the point that in 2008 the city decided to replace them.
The southernmost bridge, closest to Winnipeg’s downtown is an overpass over a CPR rail line. Approximately 300 metres north along the same route is the bridge over the Red River. Both bridges are about 350 metres long, but with approaches and other works, the entire project stretches about two kilometres.
Plenary Roads Winnipeg was selected in 2010 to design, build, finance and maintain the new infrastructure. Tetra Tech (originally as Wardrop) is the prime design consultant. Stantec is responsible for the design of the roadworks, underground utility design and coordination of other utilities. PCL is in charge of construction.
Keeping the existing bridges in operation, the new railway overpass is being constructed immediately to the east of the existing one. The new bridge will be of similar height and length, but with fewer spans and an “under-bridge” art gallery. A roundabout is being installed at Gladstone as part of access roads’ configuration.
Over the Red River a new bridge is being constructed in a curved alignment to the west of the existing one. The new crossing will have attractive lighting and bridge abutments that allow for open views.
Once the new bridges and roadworks are completed – scheduled for late 2012 – the existing bridges will be demolished. However, the piers from the existing road bridge will remain to become the supports for a new “Active Transportation Bridge. This bridge, approximately five metres wide, will be lower in height than the vehicle bridge and will serve pedestrians and cyclists and will have a plaza on the Elmwood side.
Click here to see a fly-through of the Disraeli Bridges project.
