The new US$81.4 million lifting bridge has been designed and built by a team of Archer Western Contractors and HNTB.
It maintains a similar size and mass to the original 1922 bridge but the new design includes a simple truss layout with a sleek uniform design and less of the ‘clutter’ such as ladders, platforms and machinery that are typically seen on movable bridges. The lift-span machinery is placed below deck and the pedestrian walkways are inside the truss planes. The tower height is also lower and less intrusive.
Other features include a structural design that avoids the use of gusset plates to enhance the overall safety and long-term durability.
From a mechanical perspective, the design improves visibility for the operator, reduces the number operators required and improves their level of safety. It also includes a faster lift bridge cycle time.
