Modular steel bridges deliver versatility and economic savings in Lanark County
Built in 1915, Blakeney Bridge in rural Lanark, Ontario, was a single-lane structure spanning the Mississippi River via two islands featuring three separate structures. After repairs and rehabilitations over the years, including a large infrastructure project in 2000 to extend the bridge’s service life, replacement was considered the best option.
When officials heard of a nearby township having utilized a panel bridge successfully in a similar project, it was determined to be the best solution to replace the aging bridge in Lanark County. Beyond cost savings and reducing the construction timeline, the versatility of the modular structures would have the potential to meet future needs. Following a competitive bidding process, the contract was awarded to Acrow for its two-lane, two-bridge solution.
One structure is a 15-bay bridge with an overall length of 150 feet (45.57 m). The second bridge is a single span, 90 feet (27.36m) long. Each bridge has a custom two-lane roadway width of 26 feet (7.92m), and both have a crowned asphalt overlay deck surface. They are designed to a Live Load of CL-625-ONT Truck or Lane Load as per Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code S6-19.
To reflect the bridge’s unique alignment connecting both riverbanks through an island, a custom guardrail solution was designed and installed to align with the owner’s pedestrian and cyclist safety requirements.
Acrow added its technical and logistical expertise by proposing an innovative launch method to the contractor, Looby Construction. The longer two-span bridge was installed first with a cantilever launch and parts from the single-span bridge, then the single-span bridge was installed with a crane-assisted launch. This process ensured no additional launching equipment was needed, ultimately saving money and time. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 17, 2025 opened the bridges.
Acrow’s modular bridging systems combine design flexibility with rapid installation, reducing costs while providing an effective alternative to traditional bridge construction in remote and rural areas.
