The Johnson-Mariner Connector comprises a 245 m long, four-lane bridge, an integral 100 m long two-lane ramp, 300 m of new road, 700 m of improvements to the Barnet Highway, water main, streetlighting, and provision for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The structure provides a grade-separated crossing of the CP Rail mainline and West Coast Express Commuter Rail, and crosses over the environmentally-sensitive Scott Creek flood plain and under BC Hydro power lines.
After extensive evaluation, MoT engaged the design-build team of Peter Kiewit and Sons and Associated Engineering. The team’s design-build concept dealt most effectively with the site’s sensitive geotechnical and environmental conditions, reduced land requirements, and provided the most innovative and aesthetically-pleasing solution.
Preloading the north approach and the use of piles for supporting the structure minimized the height of approach fills, reduced long-term settlement concerns, and improved accessibility beneath the elevated roadways. The use of a slender structure reduced the road grades, thereby minimizing the impact on adjacent properties. Despite a relatively heavy superstructure in a high seismic zone, the concrete slab solution proved to be 25% less costly than conventional designs.