BURGOYNE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Preliminary Design Report

Submitted to:
The Regional Municipality of Niagara

Prepared by:

December 2011
BT3305

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.

INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................1

2.

PROJECT LOCATION.........................................................................................1

3.

DESIGN CRITERIA ...........................................................................................1

3.1 Design Code ...............................................................................................1
3.2 Number of Traffic Lanes ...............................................................................1
3.3 Construction Specifications ...........................................................................2

4.

TRAFFIC, ROADWAY ALIGNMENTS, PROFILES, AND CLEARANCES ....................2

4.1 General......................................................................................................2
4.2 Traffic Data and Analysis..............................................................................2
4.3 Horizontal Alignment ...................................................................................2
4.4 Vertical Profile ............................................................................................3
4.5 Cross-fall ...................................................................................................3
4.6 Vertical and Horizontal Clearances.................................................................3
4.7 Navigational Clearance.................................................................................3

5.

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................3

5.1 Site Geology ...............................................................................................3
5.2 Subsurface Conditions .................................................................................4
5.3 Foundation Design Recommendations ............................................................4
5.4 Embankment Design Recommendations .........................................................5

6.

PROPOSED STRUCTURE ...................................................................................5

6.1 Span Arrangement and Length......................................................................5
6.2 Deck Cross-Section .....................................................................................6
6.3 Superstructure Type ....................................................................................6
6.4 Substructure Type .......................................................................................6

7.

MISCELLANEOUS .............................................................................................7
7.1 Corrosion Protection ....................................................................................7
7.2 Drainage ....................................................................................................7
7.3 Approach Slab ............................................................................................7
7.4 Traffic Barriers ............................................................................................7
7.5 Guiderails at Barrier Wall Ends......................................................................7
7.6 Utilities ......................................................................................................7
7.7 Illumination ................................................................................................8
7.8 Expansion Joints and Bearings ......................................................................8
7.9 Construction Limitations...............................................................................8
7.10 Construction Staging and Traffic Detouring.....................................................8

8.

PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE..............................................9

APPENDIX A

Figures..........................................................................................10

Preliminary Design Report

Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

1.

December 2011

INTRODUCTION

The current preliminary design assignment initiated by the Regional Municipality of Niagara
includes the structural design of a new bridge to replace the existing Burgoyne Bridge.

2.

PROJECT LOCATION

The structure will be located in the City of St. Catharines, north of the intersection of
Regional Road 81 (St. Paul Street West) and Henrietta Street. The new bridge will be
constructed to carry Regional Road 81 over Twelve Mile Creek and Highway 406 (Figure 1).

Proposed
Structure

Figure 1: Key Plan

3.

DESIGN CRITERIA

3.1

Design Code

The design of the new structure will be in accordance with the latest edition of the Canadian
Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC) - CAN/CSA-S6-06 and its 2010 supplements, and the
Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) Structural Manual.

3.2

Number of Traffic Lanes

The basic bridge design is for two vehicular lanes of traffic, two sidewalks, and two bicycle
lanes. The bridge is also capable of being converted to carry four lanes of vehicular traffic.

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Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

3.3

December 2011

Construction Specifications

The construction will be carried out in accordance with the latest edition of the Ontario
Provincial Standard Specifications (OPSS).

4.

TRAFFIC, ROADWAY ALIGNMENTS, PROFILES, AND CLEARANCES

4.1

General

A review of the current roadway, bridge and intersection geometrics within the study area
was performed. This review helped determine the bridge configuration and identify/mitigate
any sightline or alignment issue that may be present due to the fact that a number of
roadways intersect with St. Paul Street West at skewed angles. These intersection
configurations can create issues with sightlines or turning movements.
For the purpose of analyzing the traffic operations within the study corridor and determining
an appropriate bridge configuration, Delcan reviewed existing and future forecast 2016 and
2026 traffic volumes along with collision data for the study area that was received from the
Region of Niagara. This data was used to establish the current and future roadway needs of
the bridge and the adjacent study area roadways.

4.2

Traffic Data and Analysis

The existing traffic volumes for the study area were established from both turning
movement count data (TMCs) and traffic volume model plots obtained from the Region of
Niagara. Based on this data it was determined that the weekday PM peak hour has the
highest travel demands on the roadway network. During the PM peak hour a two-way traffic
volume of approximately 1550 vehicles is present with a directional split of 55% (850
vehicles) northbound and 45% (700 vehicles) southbound.
The future 2016 and 2026 forecast traffic volumes were obtained from traffic volume model
plots provided by the Region of Niagara. From these model plots the two-way future 2016
traffic volume is forecast to be approximately 1600 vehicles during the Weekday PM peak
hour while the future PM 2026 two-way traffic volume is approximately 1650 vehicles. The
directional split of these volumes is 50/50.
The future traffic volumes are similar to the existing traffic volume indicating that future
additional lane capacity is not required and a two-lane roadway bridge will still be sufficient
to accommodate future travel demands. The similarity in the existing and future traffic
volumes is not out of the ordinary due to the fact that the study area is already a mature,
built up area. Additionally, there is very little room for future roadway infrastructure
improvements. Although the travel patterns within the area remain consistent based on the
model plots and a two-lane roadway can accommodate the traffic volumes, consideration
should be given to provide proper provisions for widening the bridge structure from two
lanes to four lanes in the event that significant changes in travel patterns do occur in the
distant future. This will ensure that the necessary capacity could be provided within the
corridor if needed.

4.3

Horizontal Alignment

The cross section of the proposed bridge structure is 22.8m while the existing bridge
structure is only about 12.0m wide. This additional width is accommodated on the east side
of the existing bridge structure.

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Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

December 2011

The alignment of the north approach road remains largely unaffected, however the south
approach road, which includes a curve immediately to the south of the bridge structure,
required realignment. A skew in the bridge alignment at the south end, to the east, helps
ensure the curve does not significantly impact the adjacent properties.
Yates Street, which intersects with St. Paul Street West, at the north end of the bridge
structure is proposed to be closed to vehicular traffic. This not only improves the traffic
conflicts in the area, but was welcomed by the area residents. However, pedestrian and
emergency access will be maintained on Yates Street.
By realigning the bridge to the east, the geometrics (particularly the curve radii) of the
south approach improve considerably. The existing 60m radii curve of the south approach
was increased to 175m radii including a 2% super-elevation. This revised curve meets the
minimum design standards for a posted speed of 50km/h (design speed of 60 km/h) as per
the Transportation Association of Canadas Geometric Design Guidelines. Shifting the south
approach alignment east resulted in the need to close Bellevue Terrace for safety reasons.
Additionally, Henrietta Street has been realigned to create a perpendicular intersection with
St. Paul Street West.

4.4

Vertical Profile

The proposed bridge structure is to maintain the existing vertical profile, as such vertical
profile of the approach roads and other area roadways will remain essentially unchanged.

4.5

Cross-fall

The proposed structure consists of a traffic lane, bicycle lane, and sidewalk on each side of
the structure. The normal cross-fall of 2% over the traffic lane and bicycle lane drains
towards the sidewalk/curb. The sidewalk cross-fall of 2% drains away from the barrier,
towards the roadway.

4.6

Vertical and Horizontal Clearances

The alignment of St. Paul Street West crosses over St. Joseph Street at the southern limit of
the bridge where a minimum clearance of approximately 3.3m will be provided between the
bottom of the bridge structure and the surface of the roadway. A minimum of 1.2m
horizontal clearance will be provided between the edge of pavement of St. Joseph Street
and the face of the bridge abutments and/or piers.

4.7

Navigational Clearance

Transport Canadas navigational water clearance requirements for Twelve Mile Creek are
1.5m by 2.0m.

5.

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1

Site Geology

The site geology is discussed in the foundation investigation and design report produced by
Thurber Engineering Ltd.
From published geological information, the area surrounding the bridge site is situated
within the physiographic region known as the Iroquois Plain. The bridge site is located at

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Preliminary Design Report

Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

December 2011

the Niagara Peninsula within a strip of land between Lake Ontario to the north and the
Niagara Escarpment to the south. In this area, a deposit of glaciolacustrine clay to silty clay
overlies silty clay glacial till which is in turn underlain by shale bedrock of the Queenston
Formation.

5.2

Subsurface Conditions

The subsurface conditions are discussed in the foundation investigation and design report
produced by Thurber Engineering Ltd.
In general, the site was found to be underlain by topsoil or loose to compact cohesionless fill
overlying an extensive deposit of firm to stiff silty clay which is interlayered with loose to
compact sands and silts. Deposits of very loose to loose sand and gravel are present within
the floodplain. Glacial tills consisting mainly of very stiff to hard silty clay and occasional
clayey silt and sandy silt underlie the above soils. The overburden is underlain by shale
bedrock of the Queenston Formation.

5.3

Foundation Design Recommendations

The following Lateral Earth Pressure parameters are recommended for design:

Parameter

OPSS Granular A and

Granular B, Type II
22.8
35

Bulk Unit Weight, (kN/m3)

Effective Friction Angle, (Degrees)
Horizontal Backfill
Coefficient of Active Earth Pressure (Ka)
Coefficient of Earth Pressure at Rest (Ko)
Coefficient of Passive Earth Pressure (Kp)
Backfill Sloped at 3H:1V (18.4 Degrees)
Coefficient of Active Earth Pressure (Ka)
Coefficient of Passive Earth Pressure (Kp)

0.27
0.43
3.7
0.31
3.7

The following Combined Coefficients of Static and Seismic Earth Pressure are
recommended for design:
Parameter

OPSS Granular A and

Granular B, Type II

Yielding Wall, Horizontal Backfill

Coefficient of Active Earth Pressure (KAE)
0.29
Coefficient of Passive Earth Pressure (KPE)
3.6
Yielding Wall, Backfill Sloped at 3H:1V (18.4 Degrees)
Coefficient of Active Earth Pressure (KAE)
0.40
Coefficient of Passive Earth Pressure (KPE)
3.6
Non-Yielding Wall, Horizontal Backfill
Coefficient of At-Rest Earth Pressure (KOE)
0.65

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Preliminary Design Report

Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

5.4

December 2011

Embankment Design Recommendations

The existing river valley slopes are moderately vegetated with grass, brushes, shrubs and
small trees. Available contours indicate that the river slopes at the north and south
abutments have overall inclinations of approximately 4H : 1V and 3H : 1V, respectively.
Both valley slopes are formed in the silty clay deposit.
New fill will need to be placed at the proposed abutment locations. Preliminary information
indicates that the new abutments will require placement of a trapezoidal wedge of new fill
with a maximum height of 3 m immediately behind the abutment wall. The global stability
of the approach embankment fill will depend on the slope geometry, foundation conditions
and also to a large degree on the material used to construct the embankment. Foundation
settlement due to elastic recompression and primary consolidation of the underlying firm to
stiff silty clay will also be induced. Results of discussions with Delcan indicate that the use
of lightweight fill such as EPS will be included in the preliminary design of the abutment
backfill in order to minimize the risks of global slope instability and foundation settlements.
Preliminary global stability analyses results indicate that placement of up to 1 m of earth fill
and 2 m of EPS will not alter the current conditions of the valley slopes at the abutment
locations.
Preliminary settlement analysis results indicate that the 1 m of earth fill and 2 m of EPS
would induce post construction settlement up to the order of 30 to 35 mm over 3 years.
The magnitude of these settlements could be further reduced by refining the abutment fill
configuration during detailed design. Such refinement may include partial sub-excavation of
the surficial slope and replacing it with more EPS.

6.

PROPOSED STRUCTURE

6.1

Span Arrangement and Length

The proposed crossing can be divided into three structures; a north-bound structure, a
south-bound structure, and a rigid frame structure.
The north-bound structure consists of seven spans with a total length of 353.55 m. The
south-bound structure consists of six spans with a total length of 310.45m. Due to the
horizontal alignment of St. Josephs Street, the south abutment will have a 27 skew angle.
The rigid frame structure has a clear span of 6.7 metres along the centreline of the new
structure.
The proposed span arrangement minimizes the impact on Highway 406, considers the
effects of fill at the ends of the bridge, and maintains a high level profile for the roadway.

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Preliminary Design Report

Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

6.2

December 2011

Deck Cross-Section

The structure cross-section is summarized as follows:

Barrier

500 mm

Sidewalk

2400 mm

Bicycle Lane

1500 mm

Traffic Lane

3500 mm

Shoulder

500 mm

Barrier

500 mm

Arch / Gap

5000 mm

Barrier

500 mm

Shoulder

500 mm

Traffic Lane

3500 mm

Bicycle Lane

1500 mm

Sidewalk

2400 mm

Barrier

500 mm

Total

6.3

22800 mm

Superstructure Type

In selecting a recommended bridge type, consideration was given to bridge engineering

requirements, heritage, beauty, stakeholders comments and public input, technical agency
reviews, enhancing the environment, and overall costs. Subsequent to a comparative
evaluation, and in accordance with significant public input, the recommended bridge type
selected is a multispan steel box girder bridge with one span supported by a steel arch
bridge.
The main span superstructure will consist of trapezoidal steel box girders, with a reinforced
concrete deck, supported by a single tri-chord steel tied arch. The box girders will be
connected via transverse box floor beams, which are connected to the arch by high strength
steel cables. The arch tie will consist of high strength steel cables at the same level as the
floor beams.
The side spans will be comprised of conventional reinforced concrete decks on trapezoidal
steel box girders. A reinforced concrete rigid frame structure will be constructed at the
south end of the bridge to provide access to St. Joseph Street.

6.4

Substructure Type

The north abutment will be a staggered abutment, to facilitate emergency access to Yates
Street, while also minimizing fill requirements on the north-bound structure, given concerns
regarding slope stability.
A stepped, reinforced concrete retaining wall will run
longitudinally between the two north abutments. The south abutment will be aligned on the
south side of the rigid frame structure over St. Josephs Street.
The piers will be comprised of reinforced concrete. The length of the piers will be dictated
by the existing ground line.

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Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

December 2011

The abutments, wingwalls, retaining wall, and piers will be founded on steel H piles, end
bearing on bedrock.

7.

MISCELLANEOUS

7.1

Corrosion Protection

The new bridge will comply with the MTO Corrosion Protection Guidelines for Bridge
components. A 3 coat system will be used in accordance with MTO guidelines. The system
will consist of an epoxy zinc primer, an epoxy coat, and a polyurethane coat. For the deck
top and other surfaces exposed to salt spray, galvanized reinforcement will be used.
Consideration should be given to using stainless steel reinforcement in the traffic barriers
and deck top.

7.2

Drainage

Deck drainage shall be in accordance with CHBDC and the MTO Drainage Manual. Deck
drains will be provided and shall drain at the piers and abutments.

7.3

Approach Slab

Standard approach slab details, as per Structural Standard Drawing SS 116-1 will be
provided.

7.4

Traffic Barriers

To accord with the CHBDC, Performance Level 2 (PL-2) barriers are required for the
structure. The final selection of barriers will be made during the final design phase as these
are the subject of both structural and architectural design. Open metal barriers are
preferred. The barriers will be an integrated set dealing with the requirements for vehicular
traffic loads on barriers on the roadways, for vehicular traffic loads and pedestrian traffic for
barriers on the sidewalks, for high barriers to reduce the throwing of objects from the
bridge, and for possible high barriers to reduce the possibly of falling from the bridge. Final
decisions as to the barriers and crash protection requirements have not yet been made and
hence a variety of barrier schemes appears in the renderings and drawings produced to
date, some of which reflect architectural considerations and some of which reflect
engineering considerations. An integrated suite will be developed during final design in
accordance with criteria to be developed.

7.5

Guiderails at Barrier Wall Ends

Standard Steel Beam Guiderail and Channel Anchorage details shall be specified for each
end of the parapet walls on the approaches.

7.6

Utilities

The project requires the relocation of a limited number of utilities and services. These are
detailed in the Environmental Study Report. The project also requires the relocation of a
significant Bell Canada facility which is currently carried on the existing bridge. This Bell
Canada facility will be relocated away from the project on a separate alignment and buried
in the valley crossing.

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Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

7.7

December 2011

Illumination

The illumination of the main span will be provided by lighting attached to the central arch.
Single mast lighting will be provided along the centreline of the structure for the remaining
spans.

7.8

Expansion Joints and Bearings

The structure will be fitted with fixed bearings at the north pier of the arch span, and sliding
bearings at all other piers and abutments. Seismic isolation bearings may be utilized to
facilitate the distribution of the loads to the piers.
Expansion joints will be provided at both ends of the structure. Due to the length of the
structure, a modular expansion joint will be provided at the south abutment.

7.9

Construction Limitations

The proposed structure grades may require embankment fill above the existing ground line.
The increased embankment may induce consolidation settlement of the underlying clay
soils. The use of lightweight fill, consisting of polystyrene blocks, within the embankments,
is being considered to mitigate the anticipated settlement and slope stability issues.

7.10 Construction Staging and Traffic Detouring

The construction of the new bridge will strive to have minimum impact to traffic. In order to
achieve this, the following stages can be utilized:
Stage 1: Removal of the east sidewalk from the existing bridge, while maintaining two lanes
of traffic and one sidewalk on the existing bridge.
Stage 2: Construction of the north-bound structure, along with temporary support, while
maintaining two lanes of traffic and one sidewalk on the existing bridge.
Stage 3: Demolition of the existing bridge, with two lanes of traffic and one sidewalk on the
north-bound structure.
Stage 4: Construction of the south-bound structure, while maintaining two lanes of traffic
and one sidewalk on the north-bound structure.
Stage 5: Construction of the tied arch, with one lane of traffic on each portion of the bridge
and one sidewalk on the south-bound structure.
Stage 6: Construction of one sidewalk on the north-bound structure, with one lane of traffic
on each portion of the bridge and one sidewalk on the south-bound structure.
Stage 7: Completion of the new bridge, with one lane of traffic and one sidewalk on each
portion of the new bridge.

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Preliminary Design Report

Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

8.

December 2011

PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE

Item No.

Spec. No.

Item Description

Unit

Est. Qty.

Per unit cost

Total

Work Items:
1

Mobilization, Access and Environmental Protection

LS

650,000

650,000

Demolition and Removal of Existing Structure

LS

2,000,000

2,000,000

Traffic

LS

70,000

70,000

Bridge - Substructure

LS

11,410,000

11,410,000

Bridge - Superstructure

LS

30,320,000

30,320,000

Electrical and Illumination Work

LS

400,000

400,000

Road Work and Slope Restoration

LS

630,000

630,000

Drainage and Utility Work

LS

150,000

150,000

Bell Canada

LS

500,000

500,000

10

Landscaping

LS

300,000

300,000

$46,430,000

TOTAL OF WORK ITEMS

$2,785,800

CONTINGENCY (6%)
TOTAL INCLUDING CONTINGENCY
NOTES:
1
2
3
4
5

Costs are in December 2011 Canadian dollars

Property Costs Not Included
Professional Services Costs Not Included
Cost estimate updated December 18 2011
HST not included

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$49,215,800

Preliminary Design Report

Burgoyne Bridge Replacement

December 2011

APPENDIX A

FIGURES

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Preliminary General Arrangement

Preliminary General Arrangement Plan & Elevation
Preliminary General Arrangement Arch
Preliminary General Arrangement Typical Section at Arch
Preliminary General Arrangement Typical Sections
Construction Staging Existing Section
Construction Staging Stage 1
Construction Staging Stage 2
Construction Staging Stage 3
Construction Staging Stage 4
Construction Staging Stage 5
Construction Staging Stage 6
Construction Staging Stage 7 Completion
Bridge Approaches

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