• Home
  • Super-Cor Box Culvert replaces failing concrete structure on TCH near Port aux Basques, NL

Super-Cor Box Culvert replaces failing concrete structure on TCH near Port aux Basques, NL

March 18, 2021

Buried metal bridge installs over active streambed

The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (NL DTI) needed to replace an older concrete bridge at John’s Brook on the Trans-Canada Highway near Port aux Basques. The 10 m span concrete bridge was originally built in 1967 and was most recently rehabilitated in 2001.

Completed buried metal bridge stream crossing

Super-Cor/Best-Kote/Box Culvert option ticked all of their boxes
NL DTI needed a 10 m span structure that would last longer than the old concrete bridge, meet hydraulic requirements and still have a low enough rise to maintain the existing road grade. They decided that AIL’s Super-Cor Box Culvert with 75-year Best-Kote Polymer Coating would tick all of their boxes.

Take a 360° drone-video tour of this project >>

Buried metal bridge structure installed over live stream bed
A temporary detour, consisting of three Corrugated Steel Pipe culverts — also supplied by AIL — had to be constructed before the demolition of the existing bridge, site excavation and preparation of the foundation soils and concrete footings could take place.

The new buried metal bridge was able to be installed over the running stream bed. Once the footings were in place, the structural plate assembly took four days, while the wingwall construction and backfilling took another four days to complete.

Wingwalls and backfilling on buried metal bridge

Despite pandemic restrictions, good project communication prevailed
Communication throughout this project was more challenging than normal because of Covid-19 restrictions. Face-to-face meetings were not possible so most communication, with the exception of the installation site assistance, was done through screen meetings and phone calls.

We worked with NL DTI during the design stages and gave them a good idea of a budget and supply timelines. Post-project follow-up provided positive feedback. They were happy with the end result and we will continue to work with them on future bridge replacement designs. We also made sure we had good communication with Marine Contractors so they could successfully plan their construction schedule.

Photo Gallery

RELATED PROJECTS

  • Super-Cor Box Culvert “has the chops” in Mutton Bay, NL bridge replacement

    This project is another great example of how AIL’s Box Culvert geometry is so well-suited to many stream crossing projects in our area.

  • Eastern Ontario township chooses Super-Cor for the sixth time

    The Township of North Glengarry – about halfway between Ottawa and Montreal on Highway 417 – is now home to its sixth AIL Super•Cor project in recent years. It seems they like working with a proven project partner with efficient engineered solutions like Super-Cor – lightweight, strong and easy to ship and install in rural locations with local crews.

  • Polymer-Coated Box Culvert replaces failing NL concrete bridge

    Constructed in the early 1970s and refurbished in the late 1980s, the old concrete bridge over Northeast Brook in Trepassey, NL was undeniably a candidate for full replacement by 2015.

  • Super-Cor Boxes better for Butterpot Park environment

    Butterpot Park, NL, is named after a prominent rounded hill within its boundaries, surrounded by close to 3,000 hectares of varied terrain and vegetation – forests, bogs, heaths and ponds. Hiking trails lead to a remarkable scenic viewpoint on the hill. Amidst all of this natural beauty were two creosote timber bridges in dire need of replacement.

The AIL Group of Companies