Political Engineering

National Post:

As noted in today’s edition of the National Post, the Champlain Bridge, opened in 1962, originally was designed by engineer Hugh Pratley to be constructed entirely with steel; however, the Progressive Conservative Government of the day intervened and divided the project into smaller contracts. They left the part over the St. Lawrence Seaway in steel as originally designed, but adopted a cheaper design for the rest of the bridge. This consisted of seven pre-stressed concrete girders with extended top flanges, in-filled with cast-in-place concrete and post-tensioned together to form an integral unit. Unfortunately, this alternative did not permit easy, routine maintenance; and it was almost impossible to replace any element, such as a girder, that corroded. Also, because of the lack of drainage on the superstructure, which was not considered in the original design, the exterior girders were severely damaged because of the use of de-icing salt for traction during winters.