Innovative bridge replacement improves safety and reliability

The Hedley Bridge Replacement Project in Hedley, British Columbia replaced the existing 70-year-old structure with a new bridge, featuring new railing and a separated sidewalk and bikeway. The project has improved safety and access for people who live and work in the community, as well as visitors and tourists travelling through BC.

One challenge facing the designers was the presence of outfall line from an abandoned mine, which required relocation. This was overcome with a staged relocation plan, and provision of a buried pipe in the bridge and fill that will be used for the permanent relocation.

COWI lead the detailed design of the new bridge, incorporating innovative design decisions such as the reuse of existing bridge abutments as scour protection. This reduced the environmental impact of construction and led to both cost and schedule savings for the client.