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Strengthening CN’s Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge (Room Sagamore 2)

CN operates a critical international bridge at the eastern end of Lake Superior crossing the St. Mary’s river from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The crossing is nearly 1.2 miles long and comprised of a swing span and 3 pin connected through truss spans in Canada, 6 pin connected through truss spans, one double leaf bascule span and one vertical lift span in the US. In 2011 CN embarked on a multi phased plan to upgrade the 9 pin connected truss spans built in 1887 by Dominion Bridge Company; 2,178 ft of bridge in two countries. The first phase of the project was hanger upgrades. To expedite the project, CN partnered with Koppers Railroad Structures (KRS) to provide Turn-key design build services. Throughout the next 4 years KRS under CN direction strengthened truss members U1-L1, L0-L2, U4-L5; strengthened floorbeams, replaced stringers and lower lateral bracing on US and Canadian spans. For the final Phase of strengthening completed in 2016 CN retained the specialized engineering services of Modjeski & Masters. Over the last two years KRS and Lopes Limited strengthened the remaining truss members, replaced the upper lateral and sway frame bracing and installed a new timber tie deck with walkway.