BergerWorld: 2nd Quarter 2008

Opened in 1964, the Port Mann Bridge carries the Trans-Canada Highway over the Fraser River and serves as the most important bridge in Metropolitan Vancouver. The 2,093-meter bridge consists of three spans with an orthotropic deck carrying four lanes of traffic, with approach spans of three steel plate girders and a concrete deck.

In 2006, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation introduced the $3.9 billion Gateway Program to address concerns over growing congestion. The program includes constructing a second structure to double the capacity of the current Port Mann Bridge and widening the Trans-Canada Highway. In addition to decreasing vehicle congestion and travel times, the new bridge will increase the number of high-occupancy vehicle lanes; improve cycling and pedestrian networks; and accommodate the potential construction of a light rail system.

Under the direction of Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd. (KCBL), B/A, A&W and the Louis Berger Group are providing services for the $1.4 billion Port Mann Bridge and Highway 1 Widening portion of the program. KCBL is developing engineering designs for the design-build joint venture, Ferrovial Agroman/SNC, who are teaming with concessionaire Cintra-Skanska; preparing designs for a new twinning of the Port Mann Bridge, as well as comprehensive seismic retrofit designs; and working with A&W on a condition rehabilitation for the existing structure. In collaboration with B/A and the Louis Berger Group, KCBL is also providing designs for a six-kilometer segment of Highway 1 from the Brunette Avenue Interchange through the Cape Horn Interchange, a major link to the west approach of the Port Mann Bridge.