Bridge problems fixed
Northern News Services
Monday, October 3, 2016
WOOD BUFFALO NATIONAL PARK
The Salt River Bridge on Pine Lake Road in northern Wood Buffalo National Park was repaired this summer on time and on budget through the Government of Canada's Infrastructure Program.
The bridge - which is the main entry point for visitors travelling by road into WBNP - was identified for rehabilitation by Parks Canada due to deterioration of the abutment concrete and reinforcing steel at the water level, the Government of Canada said in a Sept. 27 news release.
The costs of the rehabilitation was $497,000.
This summer, contractors removed the unsound concrete and constructed a new concrete jacket. Fill materials around the bridge that had washed away were replaced and protected by placing heavy stones that stabilize the riverbank.
The concrete bridge curbs were repaired and new bridge rails and guard rails installed. Work was completed in late September, and will extend the lifespan of the bridge for another 25 years.
The work was scheduled to ensure the environmental impacts were mitigated and visitors were able to access the park throughout the visitor season.
Work was delayed until the spring fish migration in the Salt River was over and the annual garter snake migration was complete. The Salt River remained open for single-lane traffic throughout the summer.
The bridge now meets the current Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code requirements.
