Tappen Overhead Bridges

KWH Constructors Ltd completed the erection of the Tappen Overhead Bridges (eastbound and westbound) on Trans Canada Hwy 1 with precision and efficiency, utilizing a LR 1600-2 crawler crane to execute all major lifts. The project involved the installation of twin bridge structures to replace the existing 1950’s spans. The bridges cross over two active lines of Canadian Pacific Railway, requiring careful coordination, planning, and strict adherence to railway safety protocols.

Each bridge was configured with three spans, consisting of five girders in line per structure, with each line made up of four girders wide. This repetitive yet complex layout demanded a highly adaptable erection strategy to suit varying site constraints and lift conditions.

KWH employed multiple erection methods throughout the project, including:

• Single girder picks for tighter or restricted placements
• Twin girder lifts to improve efficiency where conditions allowed
• Four-girder lifts (two lines at once) to accelerate schedule during optimal crane positioning
• Single girder lifts with a stiffening truss, ensuring stability and alignment over longer spans and during critical placements

Working over live rail lines added another layer of complexity, with all lifts carefully sequenced to meet railway occupancy windows and minimize disruption. The versatility of the LR 1600-2, combined with KWH’s experienced crew and engineered lift plans, allowed for safe, controlled placement of all girders across both bridge structures.

This project highlights KWH’s capability to deliver complex multi-span bridge erections in high-risk environments, using innovative lift configurations and disciplined execution to meet demanding schedules.