Alexandra Bridge (Trans-Canada)

Former ferries and bridges

Several ferries and the first and second Alexandra Bridges have existed in the vicinity.

Bridge construction and opening

In 1958, General Construction Co was awarded the bridge substructure ($589,167), but unexpected ground conditions temporarily halted the work, while minor changes were made in the foundations design. The next year, A.I.M. Steel was awarded the steel superstructure ($2,262,283).

In May 1962, the steelwork was complete. At the time, the second longest bridge of this type in the world, the bridge remains the longest one in the Fraser Canyon. For the final phase, Narod Construction was awarded the deck and fence contract ($109,684).

The 487 m length comprises a 257 m arch span and steel girder approach spans with concrete decks. Northeast to southwest, the bridge crosses the Canadian National Railway (CN), Fraser River, and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP).

In October 1962, Highways Minister Phil Gaglardi officially opened the $4 million high level bridge. The increased gross load allowance to 76000 lb and trailer lengths to 60 ft for the highway permitted heavy trucks to use this more direct route rather than the circuitous Hope–Princeton.

Bridge operation

In May 1963, Phil Gaglardi returned for the unveiling of four aluminum fish sculptures, two at each end of the bridge. Standing at the southwest end, a cairn commemorates the contribution of the Royal Engineers in building the Cariboo Road.{{Cite web | url=http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/high_country/canyon/attract.htm

The completion of phase 2 of the Coquihalla Highway project (Merritt–Kamloops) in September 1987 created a faster route to the interior, greatly reducing the Fraser Canyon and Alexandra Bridge traffic.

A 2009 report determined the bridge needed major deck rehabilitation and a seismic retrofit. During 2015–2018, Surespan Construction carried out the $22.2 million project. The concrete deck was rehabilitated and extended to 12.2 m, providing wider shoulders with railings upgraded to current standards. Link slabs were installed. Expansion joints and bearings were replaced. Partial painting and sundry repairs were completed. The discovery of some cases of extensive corrosion prompted a second phase of the project, which was undertaken in 2019.

References

(third) formerly Alexandra Bridge (first) formerly Spuzzum ferry

References

1. {{BCGNIS. 748. Alexandra Bridge (bridge)
2. "Minister of Highways annual report, 1957–58".
3. (21 Aug 1958). "Prince George Citizen".
4. "Minister of Highways annual report, 1958–59".
5. (29 May 1962). "Province".
6. (8 Nov 2019). "AE Today: Cost-effective deck rehabilitation and seismic retrofit extends the lifespan of the Alexandra Bridge in BC’s Fraser Canyon".
7. "Minister of Highways annual report, 1962–63".
8. "Extending the Life of the Alexandra Bridge".
9. (15 Mar 2017). "Rock to Road: Alexandra Bridge on deck for $22M rehab project".
10. (25 Oct 1962). "Kamloops Daily Sentinel".
11. (7 Nov 1962). "Prince George Citizen".
12. (2 Jun 1963). "Daily Colonist".
13. "Alexandra Bridge".
14. "Construction of the Coquihalla: Still Amazing After 30 Years".