In a feat of engineering and coordination, Region of Waterloo crews installed a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians over Highway 7/8 in just 20 hours.
When the bridge opens, people in neighbourhoods separated by the highway will have a safe and reliable route to grocery stores, businesses and important services. The new bridge connects the corner of Strasburg Road/Chandler Drive and the intersection of Avalon Place/Southmoor Drive in central Kitchener.
This special project began with a partial closure of the highway on the evening of Saturday, August 24. By midnight, the highway was fully closed. Around 45 people and 15 different vehicles were part of the effort, with staff from the Region’s Engineering and Environmental Services department, general contractor Eiffage Canada, and specialized lifting company Mammoet all out on the highway.
Check out a video of the installation here:
While most people were just starting their Sunday morning, this team was hard at work completing the bridge lift. As people began their Sunday travels, the construction team quickly realized the detour route was causing more-than-expected traffic congestion for community members.
“When we saw that we needed to finish the detour as soon as possible, our crew went right into action. They made calls and arrangements, to do everything they could to get things done even quicker,” explained Andrew Doman, Senior Engineer with the Region of Waterloo.
“You have to work together to find solutions, and both Eiffage and Mammoet, first and foremost wanted to solve the traffic problem and help us,” said Doman.
The bridge lift was originally scheduled to end Monday at 5 a.m., but the entire operation successfully finished 13 hours early. This was also thanks to unique, out-of-the-box installation methods planned by the team.
“We were greatly appreciative for the quick and thoughtful work done by the crew, and to community members for being patient and understanding through a big closure and detour,” said Doman.
With the bridge now safely in place, construction continues on the stairways and ramps. The bridge is on track to be finished before the end of this year.
“The bridge is a vital link and improves active transportation to keep people moving across the region. It also unlocks access to more frequent transit options, including Routes 3, 16 and 205,” said Kevan Marshall, Project Manager of Climate and Energy Transition.
This installation was a success. It marks a big step toward improving transportation in the region by giving people different ways to get where they need to go.
