Middle Section Photo Gallery – Fall 2007Mamquam Blind Channel Bridge ConstructionThe first series of photos show work done this past summer on the west side of the Mamquam Blind Channel Bridge in Squamish. Workers are constructing this new bridge, and when it is complete, will move highway traffic onto it while the existing bridge is replaced. Concrete abutments and support structures for this new bridge as well as mechanically stabilized earthen walls were constructed to support two lanes to the north. When complete, there will be two bridges carrying two lanes north and two lanes south.
Over a few nights in September the bridge took shape as ten girders were lifted into place. Due to site constraints, the cranes had to be placed quite close together and the girders placed with a difficult “scissor” lift, manoeuvring each girder between the two cranes. Because the outriggers of the crane were extended across both lanes of the bridge during the lifts, the work had to be done at night. Traffic volumes are lightest at this time, and the required highway closure the least disruptive.
For the rest of the season work will continue on the structures to tie the girders together, installation of the concrete bridge deck and completion of roadway to and from the bridge.
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