December 1, 2025
AIL recently designed and supplied Bolt-A-Bin abutments as part of a “packaged solution” by our AIL Group sister company, Algonquin Bridge Limited.
This project was for the former Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. An existing 90′ modular panel bridge at Harpoon Brook near Millertown sat on timber crib abutments in an area that frequently experiences spring flooding, so the cribs were very deteriorated and required replacement.
Instead of simply replacing the timber cribs, the customer decided to make the crossing more resilient by jacking up the bridge structure, extending it by 30′ and re-installing it on new, higher Bolt-A-Bin abutments that were farther back from the highwater mark.
Bolt-A-Bin abutments built while bridge was raised and extended
The contractor, Major’s Contracting, used an innovative approach to minimize any downtime on the site. While they were building the new Bolt-A-Bin abutments beyond each end of the structure, they jacked it up onto rollers that were placed on the existing timber cribs. This way, they were able to add the reinforcing chords and the additional 30′ of panel sections while they were building the abutments.
The retrofitted bridge is now better set to handle increasing washout challenges from climate change’s extreme weather events. Algonquin and AIL representatives met on site with Major’s and the customer during the install and both parties expressed their approval of how well the project had gone.
Bridge/abutment package was an economical and expedient solution
We were pleased to partner with Algonquin Bridge on this project as part of their packaged solution. With limited need for concrete, this package solution was a very economical and expedient solution for this remote area.
About AIL’s Bolt-A-Bin retaining walls and abutments
Bolt-A-Bin is a cellular metal bin system that surrounds a compacted mass of granular material. The cells are formed from strong, corrugated metal components that have Galvanized and Aluminized Type 2 performance coatings for long-lasting service. Bolt-A-Bin can be quickly hand assembled on-site with no need for pile driving or concrete pouring, making it well-suited for use in remote areas.
