Past Events

The Coast Meridian Overpass
An Incremental Launching of a Cable Stay Steel Superstructure

In early 2008, KWH partnered with SNC-Lavalin Constructors Pacific (SLCP) and with SLCP Consulting Design Engineers & International Bridge Technologies of San Diego, and embarked on an ambitious incremental launching effort for the Coast Meridian Overpass design-build project. The goal was to incrementally launch a cable-stay steel superstructure

The Coast Meridian Overpass is the first "incrementally launched" cable-stayed steel bridge in North America. The steel structure is hydraulically pushed over the CP Rail yard's 50+ rail tracks. The structure is launched in 5 different intervals as the bridge gets added to, each section being longer that it's predecessor. The final launch "push" was 450 meters long and weighed over 4600 tonnes. This innovative construction method has overcome many constraints holding back this essential structure which will allow a divided city to come together.

Speakers:
Mike Christian - Quality Manager, SLCP
Mike Christian has over 12 years experience on various major construction projects. Mike works for SNC Lavalin who is amongst the largest and most comprehensive engineering construction firms in North America.

Chris Hall - Senior Bridge Engineer, IBT.
Chris Hall was the lead design engineer on the Coast Meridian Overpass Project with over 15 years of experience in the design of complex and cable supported structures.

Robert Gale (Chief Bridge Engineer) KWH Constructors + Rob Third (Director) George Third & Son
KWH Constructors, a Division of George Third & Son Steel Fabricators, have been erecting and launching steel bridge superstructures, and erecting other complex structures, for more than 20 years. KWH Constructors recently received international acclaim in 2007 for launching the horizontally curved steel superstructure of the Kicking Horse Canyon Park Bridge for the Trans-Canada Highway in a mountainous, isolated region in the province of British Columbia.