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KELOWNA – Less than two weeks before the new William R. Bennett Bridge will open to the public on budget and dramatically ahead of schedule, key construction milestones regarding the massive effort surrounding the project are being recognized, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.
“It’s amazing to view time release photos clearly demonstrating just how much the ministry and SNC-Lavalin workers have accomplished on the construction of this world-class floating bridge – one of only nine of its kind in the world,” said Falcon. “This project was delivered as a highly innovative – and successful – public-private partnership, a model that worked ideally.”
Construction on the kilometre-long floating bridge began in July 2005, and the bridge will be opened 108 days earlier than originally anticipated.
“The bridge has so many interesting construction elements: they had to fabricate and launch nine enormous pontoons to support the floating portion of the structure; there are 3,000 kilometres of reinforcing steel that form the powerful skeleton of the bridge,” said Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe. “This unique project is a testament to first-rate design, engineering and construction.”
Key components of the bridge construction include:
· Six floating pontoons, weighing 7,000 tonnes each
· Three smaller pontoons, weighing 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes each
· 2,200 tonnes of structural steelwork
· 25,000 cubic metres of concrete
· 24 anchors, weighing 75 tonnes, to hold pontoons in place
· 15,000 cubic metres of Styrofoam fill at the west end of project
“One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that such an ambitious, important initiative didn’t cause major traffic disruptions for the 50,000 commuters who cross Lake Okanagan each day,” said Kelowna-Mission MLA Sindi Hawkins. “The fact that the crews were able to accomplish such a feat is truly representative of the years of hard work, innovation, and co-operation that have made this project such a success.”
In spring 2005, SNC-Lavalin Inc. was chosen to design, build, finance, and operate the toll-free bridge under a 30-year contract. Over 200 people have been involved in the day-to-day construction of the bridge. The bridge will feature five lanes, an elevated span to allow for the passage of marine traffic and improved access for cyclists and pedestrians, thereby improving safety, reducing congestion and stimulating economic growth in the Okanagan.
“The technical features of this bridge have people around the globe watching it on the Internet with our construction camera,” said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning. “It is a true feat – one of which we are very proud.”
The William R. Bennett Bridge will
replace the existing three-lane, 50-year-old bridge that connects the
communities of Kelowna and Westside. The new bridge is set to open May 25.
For more information about the construction of the William R. Bennett Bridge, including the construction cam and a new PowerPoint of key features, please visit www.th.gov.bc.ca/WilliamRBennettBridge.
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Communications Director 250 387-7787 |
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