ComBAR® Project Updates: International Bridges and LRT Expansion

North Channel Bridge and Canal Bridge are two projects in eastern Ontario incorporating ComBAR^® GFRP reinforcement. These bridges are both part of the Three Nations Bridge Crossing project (also called the Seaway International Bridge) in Cornwall, Ontario. This international border crossing was named in honour of the Mohawks of Akwesasne who inhabit the region. These three bridges (3^rd is the South Channel bridge) over St. Lawrence River connect Cornwall, Ontario with Rooseveltown, New York in the United States over a total length of 4.7 km.

The existing high level North Channel Bridge, spanning between Cornwall and Cornwall Island, is being replaced with a new low level bridge.

Schöck ComBAR^® GFRP reinforcement was installed in the curbs, sidewalks, retaining walls and the north landing plaza in the new 360 m long and 15 m wide North Channel Bridge in July/August 2012. The next delivery of ComBAR^® for the deck and sidewalk reinforcement is expected in October 2012.

The Canal Bridge has completed installation of ComBAR^® in the sidewalks, median and curbs of the 45 m bridge.

ComBAR^® GFRP was choosen in these projects to ensure a longer lasting structure,  because it is spanning the St. Lawrence River

For further information on these bridge updates, visit: http://www.pontcornwallbridge.ca/eng/?p=1487

Toronto’s Largest Light Rail Transit Expansion included ComBAR^® GFRP

The Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) is a combined underground/ aboveground light rail line under construction in Toronto, Ontario. It is part of the largest LRT expansion in Toronto to date with a commitment of $8.4 billion by the Government of Ontario.

With its network of 52 km underground and on the street, the LRT project will connect Toronto conveniently and reliably to subways, buses and GO Transit, to ease traffic issues.

The LRT project in Toronto is part of “The Big Move”, a 25 year, $50 billion plan to improve and transform regional transportation in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton Region.

In November, ComBAR^® will be installed in the parapet walls of the 42m Keelesdale Park bridge walls on both sides.

The bridge will be built through Keelesdale Park, which increases environmental requirements. It will be part of the 19 km rapid transit line running through the heart of Toronto and it will connect to a 10 km tunnel between Keele Street and Laird Drive. The line will connect west to east from Jane Street/Black Creek Drive to Kennedy Station. The bridge will be owned by Metrolinx and operated by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

Construction began in summer 2011 and is expected to be completed in 2020.