Bruhn Bridge

The replacement of the Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous was another significant steel bridge erection project undertaken by KWH Constructors. The new 3-span steel plate girder bridge crosses the active navigational channel with spans of 68m, 102m, and 68m, configured with five girders across the bridge width.

The erection program required detailed planning and complex sequencing to safely complete the works over the active waterway. The main pier girders featured 14-foot-deep haunched sections weighing up to 55 tonnes each. KWH utilized its own high-capacity shoring towers at three separate locations to support the staged erection process and maintain geometry control throughout construction.

Major lifts were completed using Liebherr LR 1300.1 SX and LR 1500 with Heavy Lift attachment, crawler cranes. At assembly area and on two temporary trestles. Depending on location and loading conditions, girders were erected in four-girder picks, paired two-girder lifts, 2 girders in line or individual single-girder picks. One of the most critical operations was the centre closure lift, where a paired girder section weighing 30 tonnes was installed at a 40-metre working radius.

To ensure bridge stability and geometry throughout the erection stages, Somerset Engineering designed temporary lateral and longitudinal restraint systems at the west abutment and Piers 1 and 2, along with longitudinal restraints at the east abutment.

In addition to the structural steel erection, KWH also installed all 4.5-tonne precast deck panels, completing another major phase of this landmark bridge replacement project in the Shuswap region.