Burrard Bridge Renewal

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The restoration of an Art Deco bridge to downtown Vancouver, addressing its deteriorating condition and capacity issues. Dedicated cycle paths and pedestrian walkways were added and iconic, heritage components restored. The elegant solution widened the bridge’s north end spans by 6m and strengthened bridge girders and pier caps using fiber reinforced polymer wrap.

Judge's comment:

Burrard Bridge, overlooking the popular Granville Island, has been given a new lease of life following structural remedial works. The structural engineers have restored a significant piece of Vancouver’s infrastructure, incorporating many of the original 1920s features, as well as honouring its cultural heritage as a recession “make-work” bridge during The Great Depression.

It is apparent that the structural engineers have worked hard to ensure a subtle and sensitive intervention to this Art Deco bridge. The engineers coordinated their approach with the other disciplines and local authorities, as well as consulted with local stakeholders and the public to ensure the best possible value from the works. These include the widening of the bridge deck at one end by 6m, the integration of new bicycle lanes, and the use of fibre-reinforced polymer straps strengthening the piers; all blended into the overall aesthetic to minimise the impact on the bridge’s elevation and preserving its cultural value.

The judges were impressed by the discrete structural intervention, addressing this bridge’s deteriorating condition as well as ensuring modern-day loading requirements.