BEAVER RIVER TRESTLE
ISL provided design, assessment and contract administration for the restoration of a popular heavy timber trestle over the Beaver River near Cold Lake, Alberta, that was damaged by fire.
Client: Iron Horse Trail Society
c/o Northeast Municipal Group
Location: Beaver River, AB
Project Type: Pedestrian Bridges
About This Project
ISL provided design, assessment and contract administration for the restoration of a popular heavy timber trestle over the Beaver River near Cold Lake, Alberta, that was damaged by fire. The objectives of the project were to repair the damaged trestle quickly while conserving the heritage value to return it to full use for recreational users and off highway vehicles. ISL reused undamaged original timber materials where possible, and supplemented primarily with natural timbers for the repair. The use of preservatives and chemicals was minimized to limit the impact to the environment
Challenges
- Being a popular, well used route, the bridge had to be stabilized while the contract documents were finalized.
- The site was located in a remote area with limited access. Moving and installing materials was challenging.
- Due to unforeseen requirements on the project, budget pressures made it difficult to fully restore the trestle at this time.
Solutions
- A temporary timber A-frame structure was constructed to stabilize the trestle until the rehabilitation could begin. The initial stabilization was done by rope access.
- A phased construction approach was implemented, building the deck progressively and working ahead of the equipment. Materials were moved by crane and the existing bridge was accessed by railbed.
- Repairs to the trestle were completed right away to make it usable and safe again, with full restoration recommended within five years.