Companies awarded for work on Taylor bridge

TAYLOR, B.C. — B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) recently recognized three companies for their work on the Taylor Bridge.

Hatch Ltd., Charter Project Delivery Inc., and T.Y. Lin International Canada Ltd. were recently given the 2023 Award of Excellence for a gusset plate repair on the Taylor Bridge.

The Taylor Bridge connects the north and south peace regions and is the only structure capable of accommodating “extraordinary” loads across the Peace River, according to the ministry.

The companies acted as the engineering team on the Taylor Bridge project and provided exemplary service by using computer models, the ministry said.

The companies involved also undertook thousands of inspections of the bridge’s structure.

The team of companies detected an under-strength gusset plate, which supports the connection of major structural steel parts, making it a main load path and the issue needed to be addressed immediately.

According to the ministry, the team refined the analysis and determined the bridge could handle normal, alternating traffic to cross the bridge while repairs were done overnight.

The strengthening process was detailed to balance service, life expectancy and the urgency of the work required. 

A unique repair was reportedly required due to the structure’s layout connecting to a gusset plate. Once the repairs were completed, the crossing restrictions were removed.

Throughout the process, the ministry said the team communicated effectively and was on the site full-time.

The Taylor Bridge has been a topic of discussion within the Peace region for years, and the MOTI is currently looking for a long-term solution for the aging bridge. Last year, the ministry held an open house on potential plans for the bridge.