WSP │ PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF TAKES HOME ENR AWARD

 

With the objectives of connecting the East Village development with St. Patrick’s Island while improving cyclist and pedestrian paths in Calgary, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation held an open international bridge design competition. The Paris-based RFR Group, in partnership with WSP │ Parsons Brinckerhoff, answered the call and won the competition with an elegant three-span 180-metre long footbridge; it was designed to be a destination in itself where one could observe the Bow River beneath and contemplate the downtown cityscape. The multiple arch structures of George C. King Bridge, which lead lightly across the river, are reminiscent of stones skipping along the surface of water.

 

“The vision for the bridge was to provide a structure that touches lightly on the ground and minimizes the perceived intrusion to the river and island, allowing the user to experience the site in its natural state. The design came together well because the engineering complemented the architectural vision and intent. In construction, the project team, including the contractor, understood how the structure was intended to function and erected it in a way to allowed the bridge to behave as such,” said Civil Engineer and Project Manager Tom Cooper.

 

Today, the bridge stands strong and harmoniously, as intended, attracting large numbers of visitors. But just two years ago, while under construction, it suffered a serious setback during the unprecedented flooding of Bow River. The 2013 Alberta floods were triggered by irregular high rainfall and snowmelt in the surrounding mountains, which impacted major areas of downtown Calgary as well as the communities on the outskirts. The floodwaters washed away some of the temporary supports holding up the recently cast concrete deck, ultimately requiring the deck to be replaced. In response, the George C. King Bridge team of designers, engineers and construction experts worked around the clock in several different time zones to successfully minimize the impact of the devastating flood on the construction schedule. “With all of us scattered throughout North America and Europe, international collaboration through careful coordination, clear communication and meticulous management was pivotal to getting the job done successfully,” said Tom.

 

 

The 2013 Alberta floods washed out critical false work causing significant damage to the original deck. (Photo credit: Graham Construction and Engineering)

 

The project was recognized by ENR for its resilience and ingenuity in overcoming a natural disaster through seamless international cooperation. We wish to congratulate all those who contributed to this award-winning project.