Consultants GHD have been awarded the prime consultant role for rehabilitation projects on two Ontario bridges that connect Canada and the United States.

The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC) announced that the company will play a central role in construction work on the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and Rainbow Bridge.

Both bridges need engineering maintenance to prolong their service lives. The Rainbow Bridge has been in service since 1941, and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, which is a twin of the Rainbow Bridge, since 1961.

Years of operation in the humid conditions of the Niagara gorge led to early signs of corrosion on the skewback connections. The anchor bolts are not easily replaceable. To avoid more substantial works in the future, the bolts need to be coated and reassembled, all while remaining in service.

Accessing these structures adds to the challenge of the project. The steep embankments and moving water of the Niagara River limits access to areas of the structure where the work will occur.

All the while, GHD has pledged to maintain a continuous flow of traffic and goods across the border without interruptions. 

As the primary consultant of the project, GHD will be responsible for detailed design, administration and contract inspection.