Designing a better highway solution

Highway 37, Nass River Bridge Replacement and Approaches

As one of only two existing routes connecting British Columbia to the Yukon and the State of Alaska, Highway No. 37 provides a critical link for the increasing resource and tourism activities in northwestern British Columbia. Carrying highway traffic over the Nass River at a slight narrowing in the river channel—where it flows swiftly through a rather steep and rocky canyon—the 44-year-old, single-lane bridge had reached the end of its useful service life.

Our job? We designed the replacement bridge and provided project management services as well as engineering services during construction. Located just upstream of the old structure, the newly constructed three span, steel girder bridge includes two lanes to accommodate more traffic and larger vehicles. Also, with the highway realignment, motorists can enjoy improved sightlines, and the redesign permits an increase of the previous 30 kilometres per hour speed limit to a more consistent 90 kilometres per hour limit.

Other enhancements include an improved rest area with toilet facilities and installed lanes for safe access entering and exiting the stop in addition to a viewpoint of the canyon at the original bridge site. The new bridge and realigned highway help improve safety, increase highway capacity, and facilitate economic development in northwestern BC.