Halifax Harbour Bridges selects Stantec for bridge coating replacement program

Program will create a more sustainable and long-term solution for protecting Halifax’s Angus L. Macdonald Bridge

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been selected by Halifax Harbour Bridges (HHB) to perform a comprehensive suite of services for a $75 million full coating replacement program for the Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, one of HHB’s two suspension bridges in Halifax-Dartmouth. The bridge coating replacement program will modernize how protective paint is applied, creating a more sustainable and long-term solution for protecting the bridge. Stantec’s services include structural analysis, structural steel design, containment system design, coatings selection, specifications preparation, cost estimation, tendering assistance, and engineering services during construction.

Over the past 60 years, HHB has experimented with several paints and coatings to protect its bridges. However, recent coating failures, rust, corrosion issues, and steel section losses have increased maintenance costs and produced less than ideal results in protecting these bridges. The new program will require the removal of the existing coatings system to bare steel and the identification and repair of degraded steel work. This will be followed by the application of a new corrosion-protection system.

“We’re thrilled to be carrying out this critical maintenance program for one of Halifax’s two iconic bridges,” said Peter Flower, Stantec project manager. “The experience we’ve had delivering successful projects as owner’s engineer and through design-build has built strong relationships throughout North America to help attract industry professionals to the North Atlantic. Our team depth in asset management, bridge inspection engineering, and construction management will be a great asset to support HHB, which will deepen our market presence in Nova Scotia.”

“Finding a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective way to protect the Halifax Harbour Bridges is crucial to the longevity of our bridges,” said Ahsan Chowdhury, HHB’s chief bridge engineer. “Stantec brings the experience and industry connections needed to ensure that our long-term goal of protecting these bridges for years to come becomes reality.”

Stantec’s bridge team has led maintenance and rehabilitation programs for some of North America’s most important bridges, including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Champlain Bridge and the Ile d’Orleans Bridge in Québec, and Bridges Upgrade Design and Quality Assurance Management Services for the I-70 highway in West Virginia.

Learn more about Bridges at Stantec.