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Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design for a Railway Overhead Structure
Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design for a Railway Overhead Structure Morrison Hershfield
A preliminary design and environmental assessment was necessary to address the poor condition of the existing overhead bridge on a section of old Highway 6 south of Highway 401 in Puslinch ON.  Complicated structural issues were addressed.  Close discussion by Morrison Hershfield with CPR, Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) and the local municipality was essential to the success of this project.

Challenging tasks involved the provision of a full two lane on-site detour without the use of a bailey structure (for economy), correction of vertical profile deficiencies, and dealings with the many entrances to local businesses and residences.  A total of nine vertical profiles were reviewed by varying the design speed and the location of the crest of the vertical curve, to look at the most cost-effective solution with regard to filling and property acquisition.

Emergency structural recommendations, long-term structural solutions, and evaluation with the use of life cycle cost analysis were all presented to MTO.  One Public Information Centre was held to solicit public and political input.

We led a multi-disciplinary team.  The following major tasks were carried out to see the assignment from commencement through to delivery of the preliminary design report:

  • Bridge deck condition survey
  • Bridge evaluation
  • Traffic study
  • Foundation investigation
  • Environmental assessment
  • Structural design, rehabilitation and replacement options
  • Public consultation, public information centre
  • Traffic detour planning and design
  • TESR and PDR preparation and filing

Despite a major expansion of services, the project was completed on time meeting the client’s program dates and enabling the next stage of construction to commence.

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