Acrow helps keep traffic flowing at LaSalle Causeway


The modular steel structure provided by Acrow will be removed and reinstalled periodically to open the navigation channel for marine vessels

Acrow has designed and supplied a modular steel bridge to maintain vehicular traffic, as well as enable marine vessel access, at the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston, Ontario. 

The temporary bridge was installed following the demolition of a bascule bridge above the Cataraqui River. 

Public Services and Procurement Canada, the causeway’s owner and operator, adopted an innovative approach by selecting a modular bridge that can accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Due to the importance of addressing the needs of marine traffic, a modular steel bridge from Acrow was selected, as the design and durability of the structure also allows for its periodic removal and reinstallation to open the navigation channel. 

“Acrow’s rugged modular steel bridge proved an ideal solution for this interesting project,” said Betul Oliver, Business Development Manager, Eastern Canada. “The bridge was easily adapted for this unique and innovative application, which safely maintains the route for vehicles while providing scheduled accommodation for marine vessels.”

Acrow’s bridge was provided to Priestly Demolition, which was responsible for installing the modular bridge. The single-span structure is 48.8 metres long and has a two-lane width of 7.3 metres. A 1.5-metre-wide cantilevered footwalk separates pedestrians from vehicular traffic. 

Components began arriving at the site in mid-August, and the bridge was assembled on rollers while the existing abutments were modified to suit the modular structure. The modular bridge was launched with the help of a crane and opened to traffic on October 3. 

The first removal and reinstallation sequence took place on October 15 and provided a window for vessels to access the city’s inner harbour. This unique approach was accomplished by jacking the bridge off its bearings onto a barge, which was then moved away from the navigation channel. To reinstall the structure, the process was reversed, and the crossing reopened for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. 

“The strength and versatility of the Acrow 700XS panel bridge system, combined with a highly experienced engineering team, enabled a swift resolution of this emergency,” said Russ Parisi, Acrow’s Vice President North America.

Acrow has been serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 70 years with a wide range of modular steel bridging solutions for permanent, temporary, military and emergency use.