Creating a baseline profile for future bridge management and maintenance
The Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) inspects and maintains over 300 bridges and culverts. For the last seven years, we have provided bridge management for the GNWT. Our role? Implementing our bridge management system (BMS) software, inspecting bridges, and training GNWT bridge inspection staff.
When GNWT wanted to complete a full inspection of the Deh Cho Bridge—a 1.1-kilometer-long bridge carrying Yellowknife Highway 3 over the fast-flowing Mackenzie River—they hired our team for help. The project started with an initial inspection so we could create a profile to enter into our BMS software. This allowed our team to calculate lifecycle costs and perform risk analyses.
Instead of traditional methods, we used our SPRAT-certified rope access inspectors. The approach provided GNWT with at least $30,000 in cost savings over the traditional method, which required expensive rental equipment and significant traffic control. The disruption to traffic was minimized to 2-3 days, greatly reducing traffic risks.
Now that the Deh Cho Bridge has its baseline profile in the BMS, GNWT can better manage its assets. Plus, the detailed bridge profile not only promotes safe travel, but it provides future reference for inspection and maintenance protocols.
At a Glance
- Offices
Ren Cheng, Associate, Senior Bridge Engineer
There are always some weak spots in the structure, you must and will find them somewhere.
Justin Dahl, Principal, Transportation Operations Leader
My passion is providing clients solutions, not problems–I haven’t done my job if I don’t deliver a workable solution to address their needs.
Reed Ellis, Vice President, Bridges
Our clients come to us because we provide the full range of bridge engineering services. From planning and conceptual design to engineering and construction, from inspection to maintenance and bridge management—we’ve got you covered at every stage of a bridge’s life.
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