It took just 51 hours to completely replace the Aberdeen Avenue Bridge over Highway 403 this weekend … 29 hours ahead of schedule! Using conventional methods, this remarkable feat would have taken up to two years to finish. Instead, using rapid bridge replacement (RBR) technology, removing the old structure and replacing it with the new bridge took only 2 days to complete.
The bridge and Highway 403 in Hamilton ON were both closed at 9:00 p.m. on Friday July 30th so that the replacement could take place. The highway was closed while the two central spans over the highway were replaced using multi-axel self propelled modular transporters, and was reopened the next morning at 8:00 a.m. for commuters. The two outer spans were then jacked into place within the next six hours. The remaining time was used to construct connections between the installed spans, backfilling abutments, approach slab installation, erecting signs, barriers, paving and painting road markings, to allow the Aberdeen Avenue Bridge to open to the public on 12:15 a.m. on Monday morning, a mere 51 hours after the closure began. Highway 403 was only closed for two nights instead of three as originally planned.
The complete bridge superstructure replacement was designed to address the unique topography and congestion of the site. A small hill besides the highway was removed to form the casting location for the main panels, and areas adjacent the abutments were benched and formed to support the casting of the end panels. The project also marked the first time in Canada and in North America that a 4-span continuous bridge was replaced using rapid bridge replacement method. The new structure remains continuous and does not require any expansion joints which are potential sources of deterioration. Many innovative details were developed by Morrison Hershfield’s engineers to overcome these challenges and could provide justification for similar construction in the future.
In mid 2008 MTO approached Morrison Hershfield to look at the feasibility of using the RBR method to replace the Aberdeen Avenue Bridge. The direction to proceed with the RBR design was confirmed late 2008. The project team of Morrison Hershfield and MTO took over a year to develop the design from concept to tender, while securing endorsement from various approval agencies and the local municipality regarding the proposed arrangement. The public was informed of the upcoming event through the media as well as a Public Information Centre held in the City of Hamilton to involve interested residents and businesses that may be affected by the work.