Engineers bridge gap on Canadian project

A Hull-based civil engineer is supporting a major international transport project.

Spencer Bridge Engineering is playing a key role in the $1.4 billion (£1.05 billion) replacement of the Pattullo Bridge in British Columbia, Canada. 

The firm has delivered a stay cable mounted access system, designed to allow long-term inspection and maintenance of the bridge’s stay cables.

Developed by Spencer Bridge Engineering’s in-house design team, the system recently completed factory acceptance testing in the UK and has now begun its month-long journey to Canada by sea freight.

Stephen Bunting, project director at Spencer Bridge Engineering, which has overseen the refurbishment of Union Chain Bridge and major renovations on the Menai Suspension Bridge, as well as delivering international projects including Denmark’s Great Belt crossing and Sweden’s Alvsborg Bridge, said: “The project has been particularly challenging to find the right design solution and I’m extremely proud of our design and operations team and supply partners who have been pivotal in getting us this far.”

Senior design engineer Harry Towle added: “The concept for this access system is unique in several ways, meaning it has been a particularly complex project. 

“The system has also been designed and built to European standards, but is operating under Canadian standards, which has meant the design journey has had to satisfy dual compliance.”

The previous Pattullo Bridge, originally opened in 1937, no longer meets modern design standards. 

The new crossing over Fraser River, near Vancouver, linking the municipalities of Surrey and New Westminster, will enhance safety and accessibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, while the access system will enable engineers to inspect all key structural elements efficiently and safely.

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