TBTE was retained by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) for the replacement of a deteriorating restrictive underpass (CPR Subway) with a new structure highway and grade separated crossing bridge over the railway. The new highway and bridge structure would allow for the travel of oversize loads (bulk cargo) on this portion of the Trans Canada Highway, where previously there was a height restriction of less than 5 metres. Advanced engineering design and building materials to account for heavy traffic flow were project requirements, as was quickly and efficient construction of the new infrastructure (and demolition of the existing infrastructure) to minimise interruption to land and rail traffic. The solution involved realignment of 2.0 km of highway and a 26m prestressed concrete box girder bridge. The realigned highway included 3.75 metre main lanes, 2.5 metre fully paved shoulders, 1 metre rounding and rumble strips. As well, a 3.5 metre truck climbing lane and existing snow plow turnaround where reconstructed. Bridge components included piles set on rock points, RSS wall, prestressed concrete box girders, prestressed/precast concrete curbs, precast concrete approach slabs, metal railing system and GFRP reinforcing and UHPC with steel fibers for pre-cast connections.
TBTE provided Total Project Management for the highway realignment and new grade separated crossing including all engineering and construction administration for the project. Vertical and horizontal alignment of Highway 17 was improved to provide geometrics consistent with a design speed of 110 km/h. All project objectives were achieved on time and within budget. As a sperate TPM project, TBTE provided similar services for an innovative rapid demolition of the deteriorating CPS underpass, plus embankment construction so that CPR could rebuild track. Unlimited clearance to highway traffic now allows for over-heights loads and bulk cargo and has resulted in more efficient and cost-effective flow of goods between Eastern and Western Canada.
Hawk Lake
Ministry of Transportation Ontario
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