Burnaby Lake Overpass

Geotechnical services for a unique new pedestrian structure

The new Burnaby Lake Overpass creates a north-south pedestrian crossing of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), providing access to regional trails and destinations within the city of Burnaby. Featuring a unique interlocking arch design, the bridge serves as an iconic link for the region.

At 95 meters long and 5 meters wide, the bridge features double intersecting parabolic steel arches spanning 62 meters in length. The bridge measures 5.7 meters above the highway with a clear span of 72 meters. Construction of the new bridge improves connectivity for the trail networks of Burnaby’s three major parks, Burnaby Lake Regional Park, Deer Lake Park and Robert Burnaby Park.

Strategic location selection and geotechnical solutions

During the preliminary stage, EXP conducted a feasibility study on two of the four potential sites for the new overpass. After a geotechnical subsurface assessment to understand the subsurface conditions, a location was selected. The overpass’s north landing is situated near the trailhead at Glencairn Drive and the south landing is located near the intersection of Claude Avenue and McCarthy Court. This location carried a lower construction cost because of its existing high elevation at the locations of each embankment.

For the detailed design stage, the team conducted a supplementary geotechnical assessment of the selected location. This assessment consisted of a field exploration comprising sonic test holes supplemented with standard penetration tests (SPTs) for assessing in situ soil density and standpipe piezometers to obtain additional information regarding groundwater.

Our team then presented recommendations for site preparation, temporary excavation, dewatering and interaction between the proposed bridge and nearby infrastructure. The presented solution included axial and lateral foundation design and abutment slope stability assessment under both static and seismic conditions in accordance with Canadian bridge design regulations.

Finally, during the value engineering stage, our team collaborated with the design team on the customized single-span, steel thrust arch bridge design.

Building an active transportation network

The new bridge is Burnaby’s first dedicated pedestrian and cyclist crossing over Highway 1, and creates a safer and simpler way to travel between major trail networks. This project furthers Burnaby’s commitment to making the city more accessible for different forms of transportation.

By creating a safer and easier path for pedestrians and cyclists, vehicle traffic and vehicle emissions will also be reduced. The overpass serves as an asset to the community, connecting people to nature and inviting users to explore the area in new ways.

Services

Geotechnical