Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge

Bridge
Written By Christian Allaire
The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction Award of Merit in the Bridge Category was awarded to the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge in 2019 for the Ontario Region.

Location: Bay of Quinte, Ontario
Client: E.S. Fox Limited
Timeframe: 2019-2024
Key Personnel: Kyle Boudreau

Project Description

The Skyway Bridge, located in the Bay of Quinte, Prince Edward County, Ontario, was built in 1967. By the late 90s, thirty years after its construction, it received some rehabilitation work. Now nearing the thirty-year mark since its last major refurbishment, The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) tendered the rehabilitation of the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge to bring it up to modern standards, and to replace its aging components.

The rehabilitation included the staged deconstruction/removal of the existing bridge superstructure and the stage erection/construction of the new bridge superstructure over the course of five (5) construction seasons.

An aerial view of the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge under construction. Two massive cranes are supported by barges beneath the bridge. One lane remains open to traffic during construction. A light dusting of snow covers sections of the bridge.

Although it was ongoing at the time, in 2019, the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge project was awarded the CISC Award of Merit in the bridge category for the Ontario region.

Bridge Details

The 850-metre slab-on-steel plate girder bridge serves as a connection between Highway 401 and Prince Edward County via Highway 49, which runs north-south through Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

Harbourside’s Role

Harbourside Engineering was hired by the structural steel erection group E.S. Fox Limited to develop and design the erection sequence. Also working in conjunction with general contractor Aecon, Harbourside work included but was not limited to:

  • Design of land and water-based erection methods,

  • Design of temporary works (rigging, restraints, etc.)

  • Barge Stability Analysis,

  • Existing Structure Capacity Analysis,

  • Fit-up troubleshooting and analysis.

The use of barges was central to the completion of this project, given alternative means of crane and equipment access would have been cost prohibitive.

Unique Challenges

Construction of the bridge superstructure was largely completed over water at substantial height, where access was challenging. Work also had to be completed while maintaining traffic in adjacent lanes. Stability of the barges was crucial, and technically challenging due to the lift and crane requirements. Wind and inclement weather also posed technical challenges and project restrictions, given the heights at which construction happened.

Social Impact

Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson, Chief of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte R Don Maracle, and H.L&A MPP Ric Bresee. During the grand re-opening. Image source: Quinte News

The improvements to the Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge ensures that a vital connection between Highway 401 and the communities in Prince Edward County remains operable for years to come. This rehabilitation guarantees this essential corridor is sustained for current and future families and tourists who visit wine country every year, helping improve economic stability and cross-country access. Upon completion, the reopening of the bridge received substantial media coverage.

Christian Allaire
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