The $21-million seismic refit of the Mission Bridge is into its final phase, with work underway to improve the
earthquake resistance of the ground and bridge footings.
The first phase was the structural retrofit. This included almost $12 million in improvements to the superstructure, including column and beam strengthening, concrete reinforcement, a new seismic restraint system, new deck joints and painting of various components.
New cycling railings and approaches valued at $1.5 million were also completed as part of the superstructure improvements.
The final phase is the ground densification work. Kani Foundations Technologies and Fraser River Pile and Dredge
Inc. are carrying out the ground strengthening work and installing an earthquake drainage system. Future work includes slope stabilization, which is expected to begin this summer. The entire project is expected to finish in late 2013.
Fast facts:
• Through a combination of building new bridges and retrofitting existing ones, the ministry continues to seismically upgrade its bridges.
• Since 1992, the ministry has invested approximately $95 million in seismic retrofits and bridge replacements ($80 million in retrofits plus $15 million in capital works).
• All ministry bridges built since 1985 have been designed to meet stringent seismic standards.