Acrow bridge being replaced in Fort Nelson, B.C.
August 5, 2015
By
CCE
Fort Nelson River Bridge, B.C. Photo courtesy B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
In the remote northern Rocky Mountains of British Columbia one of the longest Acrow bridges in North America is being replaced.
McElhanney Consultants are finalizing their design of the Fort Nelson River Bridge on Highway 77 between Fort Nelson in B.C. and Fort Liard in the Northwest Territories.
The Acrow superstructure, including its timber deck, is being replaced with a two-lane steel girder and concrete deck. Improvements to the piers, abutments and piles are also being made. The existing bridge dates from 1984 and is 430 metres long. Its piers were built from an ice bridge.
The $35-million project will be tendered in the fall of 2015. The project is being funded as part of the B.C. “On the Move” initiative, and by the Government of Canada under its New Building Canada Plan.
Pat Pimm, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Peace River, pointed out the importance of the upgrade at a funding announcement on July 24: “It’s important the Fort Nelson River Bridge be upgraded to maintain its safety. This bridge on Highway 77 is an essential connection across the impressive Fort Nelson River, and it supports the natural gas industry by providing access to the Liard natural gas basin, one of B.C.’s largest reserves.”
Piers of Fort Nelson River Bridge, B.C. Photo courtesy B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
