Many companies had to go above and beyond to undertake repairs after the devastating damage from the storm that hit B.C. Acrow was one such company that was selected to install one of its modular steel bridges to provide temporary access for Highway 1 traffic through the Fraser Canyon.
The bridge replaces a section of road damaged during heavy rains in November 2021.
Much of British Columbia was impacted by flooding caused by the extreme weather events, and Highway 1 had particularly significant damage. At Jackass Mountain, a large three-lane section of the road was destroyed by a landslide. This and other closures and disruptions were of particular concern as Highway 1 is the main route of the Trans-Canada Highway through the province and a vital route for commerce and area residents.
The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (BC MoTI) and contractor Coquitlam Ridge Constructors Ltd. opted to use a modular steel bridge from Acrow to restore traffic flow as quickly and safely as possible until options for a permanent solution could be considered.
The single-lane Acrow bridge selected for the project is 79.25 meters (260 feet) long with a roadway width of 4.2 meters (13.78 feet) and a TL-2 guardrail system. Extensive site preparation included stabilization work and road and bank reconstruction ahead of the launch of the temporary bridge, which occurred on January 5 with a partial launching nose and the assistance of a crane. Although record snowfalls and avalanches delayed work at the site, the bridge officially opened to traffic on January 24.
“We are honoured to have been selected to take part in this project to restore a vital transportation link in the aftermath of the unprecedented climate events in November,” said Ken Scott, Acrow Canada president. “Critical to its success has been the tireless work of Chuck Hunter, Acrow Canada’s western manager, who has drawn on four decades of technical expertise to ensure a safe, successful installation, working in close collaboration with the province and contractor.”
