Victoria Bridge Erection

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Location: London, ON
Client: E.S. Fox Limited
Value: $23M (Approximate)
Timeframe: 2022-2024
Key Staff: Kyle Boudreau

Awards

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Project Description

The original Victoria bridge was a two-span structure, built in in 1926. It served as the main arterial connection, connecting Old South and downtown London via Ridout street over the Thames River. After nearly a century of use, the bridge was in need of replacement. The new structure had to include features that would benefit active transportation and consider the effects of climate change and flooding.

The replacement of the bridge, delivered through a traditional Design-Bid-Build contract model for the City of London, involved the removal of the two-span bridge, and the construction of a twin-rib arch supporting structure along Ridout Street South. The new bridge is configured with short 11.6 m end spans between piers and fully integral abutments, and a main arch span of 72.3 m (between piers) spanning the Thames River. The deck grillage is supported from the arch (within the arch span) by a series of steel wide-flange hangers with bolted end/side face connections.

Harbourside’s Role

E.S. Fox Limited (ESF), the steel erector, was awarded the construction project, and engaged Harbourside to provide erection and construction engineering services. The overall scope of services provided for the project include the following:

• FEA Model Development and Calibration;

• Superstructure Steel Erection (including all applicable strength and stability checks, crane plans, lift connections, etc.);

• Geometry Control Procedures;

• Crane Pad and Protection System Design.

In general, the procedure developed for the erection was as follows:

• Arches were erected horizontally on temporary shoring.

• Geometry Control Procedures were used to re-configure and weld arch segments (accounting for thermal and fit-up to as-built thrust blocks).

• Completed Arch Segments were hoisted and rotated vertical using primary crane and two (2) mobile tailing cranes.

• With Arch Vertical, Tailing Cranes were released, and Arch was walked and hoisted into final position using 715-ton crawler crane (with full counterweight tray).

• Arches were transferred to their permanent thrust blocks and anchorages were installed and post-tensioned.

• Balance of hangers, struts and deck steel were installed.

Unique Challenges

The replacement of the Victoria bridge encountered interesting and unique challenges. The Thames Valley Parkway, north of the river had to be widened as part of this project. In addition, construction was briefly halted due to environmental concerns over the health of endangered fresh water muscles and fish living in the Thames river. Still, despite the additional necessary steps these created, the project was still completed in an efficient manner, reconnecting Old South and downtown London via Ridout street.

Second Arch, Victoria Bridge

The second arch for the Victoria Bridge, prior to being lifted by crane.

Crane Lifting Arch

Midway through the arch lift, as the arch is being moved towards its permanent abutments.

Victoria Bridge Arch, Lifted

The foot an arch for the Victoria Bridge, London, Ontario, as it is being moved into position.

Crane moving arch into position over River

The crane lifts the arch, preparing to position it over the Thames River, London Ontario, 2024.

Construction Crew directing Arch

The construction crew uses pulleys and ropes to direct the arch, as the crane lifts it into position.

Second arch, in Position

Both arches can be seen from the side, mounted into position, secured to their permanent abutments.

Arches of the Victoria Bridge

Both arches can be seen for the Victoria Bridge, prior to the mounting of the bridge deck, during construction. London, Ontario, 2024.

Social Impact

Ridout Street via Victoria Bridge is one of the main arterial connectors over the Thames River. Although there are now 4 additional structures crossing the river at different points, Victoria Bridge is centrally located, and features amenities for cyclists and pedestrians.

“The section heading north on the east side of the bridge has space for a protected bike lane and a separated sidewalk, while the west side of the bridge [will have] a multi-use sidewalk for both cyclists and pedestrians, Ward 11 councillor Skylar Franke said for CBC.