Vancouver City Council has approved a 5-point-6 million dollar seismic upgrade of the Granville Bridge. Graham Construction and Engineering have the contract. A special council meeting the morning unanmously voted to award the contract a month early to that firm, giving the contractors more time to prepare for construction. The city says it will be … [Read more...]
ICBC sees spike in claims for Alex Fraser Bridge as well, possibly due to falling snow and ice
December 21, 2012 by
It wasn't just the Port Mann Bridge wrecking havoc with cars during wintery weather Wednesday. "Ice bombs" falling from that bridge's support cables broke windshields, dented cars and sent two people to hospital. Adam Grossman with ICBC confirms there are also around 20 claims involving the Alex Fraser Bridge. "There's been some reports of similar … [Read more...]
Here’s news about yet another bridge
December 20, 2012 by
The City of Vancouver will decide Friday on whether to award a contract for seismic upgrades to the Granville Street Bridge a month early. The lowest bid of just over 5-point-6 million dollars was from Graham Construction and Engineering. The work will include replacing bearings and expansion joints at 7 spots on the bridge, expected to … [Read more...]
Polak calls ice bomb bridge debacle “absolutely unacceptable”
December 20, 2012 by
One day after chunks of ice crashed down on more than 100 vehicles on the Port Mann bridge, the minister responsible now has something to say about it. "Absolutely unacceptable". Two words Mary Polak used repeatedly during a lengthy news conference near the bridge. And the Transportation Minister is blaming contractor Kiewit … [Read more...]
What went wrong with the Port Mann Bridge?
December 20, 2012 by
Sources have told CKNW news that in an effort to reduce costs, the builders of the Port Mann Bridge decided not to install heated cables that would have prevented yesterday's ice buildup. We are told Kiewet was offered the option by the French subcontractor who handled the cables, but said no. When workers asked why, they were told the harmonics on … [Read more...]
Port Mann Bridge operators apologize
December 19, 2012 by
With reports of nearly 60 vehicles damaged by falling ice, the managers of the new port mann bridge admit.... the cables weren't heated. The CEO of the TI corporation held a news conference late this afternoon. Mike Proudfoot didn't confirm the heated cables were shut down as a design idea simply apologizing for the damage caused. "It is … [Read more...]
UPDATES: Avoid Port Mann bridge: ice falls on vehicles, at least one hurt
December 19, 2012 by
Travellers across the new Port Mann bridge have been dodging chunks of ice falling from the cables above the span. RCMP tell our traffic station AM 730 they are in the process of shutting the bridge down, and that at least one person has been injured. This caller says it's an 'absolute nightmare:' "Large ice balls landing on our cars! I … [Read more...]
Tolls now in effect for Port Mann Bridge
December 8, 2012 by
If you want to use Highway One to get to Surrey, you now have to pay to cross the Port Mann Bridge. The Province gave drivers a week to experience the new eight-lane, 3.3 billion dollar bridge for free. But as of midnight Saturday, a $ 1.50 toll went into effect. That introductory rate will double in March for anyone who hasn't registered by the … [Read more...]
Decision on future of Patullo Bridge could be made by the summer
December 8, 2012 by
It's been a question for years: what to do about the aging Patullo Bridge? In a few months, there may be an answer. Sany Zein with Translink says they’re hoping to work towards a short list of options this winter and spring, and to reach consensus on a solution sometime around next summer. "This is a very public and transparent process, when … [Read more...]
Mayor backs overnight safety measure for Lions Gate Bridge
December 2, 2012 by
In the wake of a double fatal collision on the Lions Gate Bridge, the mayor of West Vancouver is backing calls to close the centre lane overnight. Mayor Michael Smith says it seems to be a sensible and logical move, "We don't want a situation where not only were two people killed, but also one of our drivers and some of our passengers … [Read more...]
