October 28, 1997
New Taylor Bridge Opens in Headingley
New Taylor Bridge Opens in Headingley– – –$7.3 Million Project Includes "Smart" Bridge Technology
Headingley's new Taylor Bridge, the "smartest" bridge in Canada, was officially opened today by Glen Findlay, minister of highways and transportation.
The five span bridge replaces the aging Headingley Bridge over the Assiniboine River along PR 334 and is believed to be the most technologically advanced structure of its kind in the nation.
"The new bridge can handle heavier loads, and features new technology which will help engineers detect problems before they require expensive repairs," said Findlay. "Today's official opening celebrates an important transportation link for Headingley and the province."
Fibre-optic sensors are imbedded in portions of the 165.1-metre bridge to measure the performance of the materials. The sensors process the information and then transmit it to an off-site computer for instant review by engineers.
The new bridge also features advanced composite materials (ACMs) imbedded in the concrete to replace conventional reinforcing steel. ACMs do not corrode and are estimated to be one fifth of the weight and up to 600 per cent stronger than reinforcing steel. The materials will help to reduce overall maintenance costs and conservatively extend the typical service life of structures to 75 years from 50.
In addition to construction of the $4 million, two-lane concrete bridge and related fibre optic/computerized sensing technology, the project included $3.3 million for highway upgrading, realignment of PR 334 and intersection improvements at the Trans-Canada Highway, including a turning lane and traffic control lights.
The province contracted the Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence on Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures (ISIS Canada) and Wardrop Engineering Inc. to create the smart bridge.
"The decision to make the Taylor Bridge a technology pioneer came easily since the old bridge had to be replaced and the location of the new bridge was within easy driving distance for government and ISIS staff," said the minister.
The new bridge has been named after John Taylor, whose family settled the homestead to the east of the bridge. Taylor's grand nephew, John Curry, is the current reeve of the Rural Municipality of Headingley.
The existing bridge will be removed under a separate contract at a later date.
Manitoba Highways and Transportation services a network of 18,500 kilometres of highways and roads and 2,800 bridges and structures.
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