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VANCOUVER – The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering has recognized the Lions Gate Bridge as a National Historic Civil Engineering Site, announced Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon today.
“We take great pride in commemorating the Lions
Gate Bridge, as it represents a most significant addition to our list of
National Historic Civil Engineering Sites,” said CSCE history committee representative
Roger Dorton. “The Lions Gate Bridge is recognized countrywide as an
outstanding example of Canadian design and construction, and as a graceful and
historic suspension bridge in harmony with its scenic surroundings.”
The
Lions Gate Bridge was financed and built by the Guinness family. It opened to
traffic in 1938 and operated as a private toll bridge. The Province purchased
the bridge in 1955, and the tolls were removed in 1963.
Improvements
to the bridge have been cutting edge. In 1975, the concrete deck of the north
approach to the bridge was replaced with wider steel decking during nighttime
closures, a world’s first. In 2001, for the first time in suspension bridge
history, the complete structure suspended from the two main cables was replaced
at night while remaining open to daytime traffic.
“The Lions Gate Bridge is more than a Vancouver landmark; it has been an engineering marvel for 68 years,” said Falcon. “That’s why we have provided $20 million to ensure this jewel of a structure is kept in top shape for years to come.”
A two-year, $20-million project
applied new protective coatings to the bridge, including removal, disposal and
replacement of 60-year-old lead-based paint, has just been completed. The
painting work, including removal of the old paint, took place inside sealed
enclosures under a constant vacuum.
The Lions Gate Bridge is the 42nd National Historic Civil Engineering Site in Canada. The Historic Civil Engineering Sites program is lead by the Montreal-based Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, which maintains the historic civil engineering sites register.
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Communications Director 250 387-7787 |
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