Southdale Line Bridge Rehabilitation

Clearwater Structures and R.J Burnside progression on the Southdale Line Bridge has been progressing as per schedule. Clearwater has moved on to:

• Replacing base chords
• Repairing nodes
• Replacing connection plates
• Replacing end braces

Base Chords:

Three sections of base chords on the bridge structure were significantly corroded and stressed requiring full replacement. Three new galvanized chords were replaced on the bridge.

Nodes:

There has been four node replacements throughout the bridge. Nodes are important for the bridges structure, they hold the tension and compression members together. The existing nodes were rusted and slightly bent which compromised support for the overpass.

Connection Plates:

Two galvanized connection plates have been removed and replaced within the bridge. The connection plate’s purpose is to hold the bottom chords together and prevent lateral movement. Old connection plates were damaged and had limited function in keeping the bridge stable.

End Braces:

Two end braces have been removed and replaced on the bridge. They sit on each end of the bridge underneath the bottom chords. Similar to connection plates, the end braces restrict chords from lateral movement but also sit on the abutment to relieve load stresses.

On August 17^th Clearwater Structures and R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited began construction on the Southdale Line Bridge between Quaker Road and Springwater Road. Clearwater Structures is responsible for the reconstruction of the structure. R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited is responsible for the engineering re-design of the bridge and site inspection. A general overview of the work being completed is: replacing deck, new concrete abutments, fixing members, and a repave. There will be no removal of trees and no disturbance of Catfish Creek. The original completion date was November 24^th 2020, but due to changes in the contract the new completion date will be December 22^nd 2020. The completion date has changed mainly because of concrete repairs to the abutment, and additional repairs to corroded transverse steel angles at abutments.

Clearwater Structures has been progressing well during the project. Competed tasks include:

• Traffic control signage
• Erosion control and Catfish Creek protection
• Bridge deck removal along with the members underneath the base of the bridge
• Asphalt removals at approach to bridge
• Abutment and wing wall concrete removals and new forms placed

Updates to Come!