Conservation

Old Alexandra Bridge Restoration

A Historic Crossing Preserved Through Precision and Care
Timeline

June 2024

Location

Alexandra Bridge

Project Type

Conservation

Spanning the Fraser River the Old Alexandra Bridge is a 1926 concrete suspension bridge of substantial historical and recreational importance. Prior to our commission, the bridge was in a state of critical failure and had long been closed to vehicular traffic and the public due to the risk of failure.

The project team’s objective was to preserve the entire bridge, protecting a landmark that serves as a connection to early British Columbia gold rush history, the Trans-Canada Highway and the traditional fishing grounds of the Spuzzum First Nation. An intact bridge links the community to its longstanding traditions and the regional heritage of the Fraser Canyon.

Objectives

  • Proving Methodology: Early project phases were trialing rep[air techniques, strategies and materials with the project partners to develop a comprehensive structural conservation plan.
  • Heritage Preservation: Restoring the bridge’s integrity to a regional landmark and a functional piece of infrastructure.

Unique Challenges

Logistics & Staging

Site access involved navigating the winding Caribou Wagon Road and an active CN Rail line crossing, requiring scheduling to move crew and materials without disrupting rail operations and endangering our crews.

Methodical Execution

Unlike standard builds, bridge conservation requires a piece-by-piece approach. The stabilization involved extreme care, ensuring that the removal of failed materials did not compromise the structural integrity of the concrete towers and suspension cabling.

Old Alexandra Bridge
Old Alexandra Bridge

Technical Scope of Work

Our team focused on the targeted replacement of failed concrete and compromised structural steel, using modern engineering science while maintaining its original 1920’s character.

Key Conservation Measures

  • Concrete Replacement: Removal of failed and poorly designed concrete and replacement with modern materials to significantly prolong the bridge’s current working life.
  • Safety Infrastructure: Enhancement of trail access and the installation of additional gates to improve safety at the rail crossing.
  • Community Collaboration: The gifting of a custom stone carving as a visual and symbolic contribution to the bridge’s role in connecting people of different cultures.

Collaboration

Due to the bridge’s location and status, we worked closely with a wide range of governing bodies and technical experts to ensure the project met all provincial and heritage standards:

Key coordination included:

  • Spuzzum First Nation and the Province of BC (Heritage Branch, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure & BC Parks)
  • CN Rail for logistical safety and site access.
  • RJC Engineers and Associated Engineering for conservation design.
  • HeritageWorks and New Pathways to Gold for conservation alignment.

Transformation

Before

  • Bridge was closed, structurally compromised, and at imminent risk of failure, with significant material loss on all concrete towers.

After

  • Bridge conservation has a proven methodology and is partially complete as we await a future and final phase.
Old Alexandra Bridge
Old Alexandra Bridge

Results

Through engineering techniques and robust collaboration, we successfully began the stabilization of the Old Alexandra Bridge. By delivering the project on schedule and within budget, we have supported the ongoing preservation of a landmark that remains central to the region’s identity, ensuring its history and maintaining a tourism destination within the Spuzzum First Nation’s community.

Preserving historic places requires precision, planning, and respect for materials. If you’re planning a conservation project that demands careful coordination and technically disciplined restoration, connect with Heritage Masonry to discuss scope and approach.

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