Golden, BC, Canada
1,310-ft. (400-m) highway bridge (6 spans)
2006
2007
Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd.
Parsons
British Columbia Ministry of Transportation
Rapid-Span Structures Ltd.
This bridge makes it possible to cross the Kicking Horse Pass, at an altitude of about 1600 m, between Golden, British Columbia and Lake Louise, Alberta. The project consisted of widening the road into a four-lane highway. Phase 2 included, in particular, the replacement of the second existing bridge. A steel structure was considered as the most practical option, in view of the site’s isolation, the difficult access to the job and the project timeline. One of the particularities of this curved bridge composed of welded I-beams is that it was erected in incremental launches. Measuring a little over 400 m long, it was launched in two sequences. Its structure consists of 4 main beams and 3 stringers supported by intermediate braces. The bridge has 6 pans ranging from 50 m to 80 m.
The engineering and construction challenges in the Kicking Horse Canyon are immense. The area is subject to many rockslides, debris torrents and avalanches.
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