The arch bridge had originally been due to open last year but late steel deliveries pushed back the completion date (link opens in new tab). Acciona/Pacer Joint Venture was awarded the primary bridge construction contract in 2013.
Several key milestones have been reached recently, including completion of the deck structure and the installation of the 32 support hangers. Off-site assembly has also started of the shared-use path, which will be shipped in segments to the site when it is ready to be hung.
“While significant progress has been achieved to date, the remaining work must be completed in a specific sequence which will depend heavily on favourable weather conditions for the remainder of our short construction season,” said the city council. The completion of the suspension-based construction and concrete pours has pushed the timing for paving into colder weather, when it may not be possible to carry out the work.
“This delay is very disappointing, but the City’s contract management processes have ensured that the City and taxpayers are protected in terms of cost implications,” said the council. “All costs for the delay are borne by the contractor.”
