Fort York Pedestrian Bridge
Location: Toronto, ON
Client: E.S. Fox Constructors Ltd.
Value: $19.7M (Total Construction Cost)
Timeframe: 2015-2019
Awards:
Project Description
As part of the Build Toronto initiative, Dufferin Construction was awarded the $19.7 M design-build contract for the design and construction of two (2) pedestrian bridge structures, intended to provide a key link between Stanley Park to the North and the Western area of Fort York grounds to the South, improving the connections between the City, Fort York and the waterfront. Each structure spans 49m (South Structure) to 52m (North Structure) across existing Metrolinx Rail Corridors.
The detailed design of the bridge structures was completed by PEDelta and consist of stainless-steel irregular box girders with a composite reinforced concrete deck, partially supported by a swept triangular arch and threaded rod hanger assemblies.
Harbourside’s Role
ES Fox was subsequently awarded the contract for the bridge steel superstructure erections, retaining Harbourside to complete the erection engineering.
In order to satisfy the contract requirements, the erection of each steel superstructure was to occur during a maximum 48-hour rail corridor shut-down, with no allowance for set-up of the cranes on or within the rail corridor during erection. In order to meet the contractual requirements of the project, the erection sequence was proposed and completed as follows:
Contractor completed permanent abutments prior to initiating erection;
ES Fox completed pre-assembly of the North and South Bridge Steel Superstructures in Central Ordnance (between each rail corridor) using 350T mobile cranes and temporary support corridor) using 350T mobile cranes and temporary support towers/works as required;
Crane supplier mobilized 600T crawler crane fit with a super-lift assembly (600T “dressed” like a 900T) in Central Ordnance to complete erection of the North and South Bridge Steel Superstructures (from Central Ordnance);
A 48-hour closure of the North Rail Corridor was initiated to complete erection of the North Bridge Steel Superstructure, followed by the South Rail Corridor and South Bridge Steel Superstructure.
Construction began in 2015 and was completed in 2019.
Unique Challenges
The complex pre-assembly stability analysis and phasing, and limited timelines posed unique challenges, requiring maximum efficiency and care. Not impeding the rail system was critical to the success of this project, and much of the work had to be completed in limited 48-hour windows. The design of temporary works and interim stability measures in this environment also necessitated high levels of detail and scrutiny to ensure the maximum efficiency during these closure windows as well.
Social Impact
Pedestrian and active transportation corridors through major cities are essential pieces of infrastructure that create “complete” modes of transportation. With a rail system bisecting Stanley Park to the North and the Western area of Fort York grounds to the South, pedestrians faced long detours to reach various parts of the city on foot. These new bridges help to make Toronto more livable, walkable and accessible to all.