Transportation

St. Andrews Lock and Dam Bridge Deck Replacement

Location

Lockport, Manitoba

Expertise

Transportation

Bridges

Bridge Rehabilitation & Retrofit

Infrastructure

Structures

A thorough inspection report in 2017 concluded that the main span of the St. Andrew’s Lock and Dam bridge deck had to be replaced. In late 2019, Associated Engineering was retained by Public Services and Procurement Canada to work on the project.

Associated Engineering undertook the comprehensive detailed inspections in 2019 to inform the rehabilitation and strengthening design. The objective of the rehabilitation was to remove the load posting on the bridge, which was posted at 36 tonnes, complete the deck rehabilitation on both approach structures, complete new deck and stringers on the main truss spans (spans 1 through 7), widening of existing deck to the north, and replace expansion bearings on pier 1.

Detailed analysis was undertaken in order to fully understand the nature of the existing structure, taking into account material properties from a hundred years ago, and how it is configured. This understanding was key to developing an appropriate design response to rehabilitate, strengthen, and widen the structure. The detailed analysis included a structural evaluation taking into account reductions in structural capacity of existing deteriorated members. The structural evaluation was completed to determine deficient members that would need upgrading for the anticipated load demands and widening.

Client

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Completed

2023

Designation

National Historic Site of Canada

Project Highlights

454m

Bridge length

7000

Vehicles per day

$40M

Construction value

During construction, the St. Andrew’s Lock and Dam had to remain open to support the local economy; while protecting endangered bird species and limiting further ground disturbance to preserve the area around the facility that is rich in archeological history.

This was a multi-year undertaking beginning in 2019 and culminated with the bridge re-opening in July 2023. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on July 17, 2023, video here.

The operating life of the bridge has been extended by 50 years. The project showcases effective ways to design and manage the preservation and improvement of protected, designated historical structures.