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Fort MacKay Bridge Replacement

Keeping a community connected

  • 106.8

    Metres

  • 5

    Spans

  • Fort McMurray, Alberta

    Fort McMurray, Alberta

Committed to protecting culture and the environment

When the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo discovered that the Fort MacKay bridge–a 106.8 metre structure built in 1966–had reached the end of its life, we were called in. We considered two options: replace the bridge using the same alignment or replace it using a new one.

Working with the Fort McKay community and including their desires in the new road and bridge alignment, we chose the latter option for three reasons: to ensure the roadway could remain open during the construction of the new bridge, to lessen the impact on the local environment, and to widen the bridge to meet Alberta Transportation requirements. And when, during construction, we encountered larger pockets of rich oil sands then revealed in the geotechnical reports we modified the design to accommodate the oil sand storage. Because of this highly-sensitive area–both environmentally and culturally–the teams conducted fish habitat, historic resources, and terrestrial assessments. 

The new, 14 metre wide, 131 metre long, three span structure carries two lanes and a pedestrian sidewalk over the MacKay River and features a 65 metre steel center span overlooking the Fort McKay community’s historic boat launch. Nearly seven decades earlier, the chief’s daughter had officially opened the original bridge; and now her great-great-granddaughter cut the ribbon–demonstrating the significance this structure has to the community. To celebrate, all stakeholders were invited for the official grand opening on the new Fort MacKay Bridge, and the project was deemed a success. 

Meet Our Team

Paul Maciejowski, Senior Associate, Transportation

The success of our work hinges on strong relationships, open communication, and focus on all stakeholders.
Paul Maciejowski Senior Associate, Transportation Read More

Dallas Kuzek, Land Surveyor, Managing Leader, Geomatics

We really take pride in what we do, and it shows in the work we complete for our community.
Dallas Kuzek Land Surveyor, Managing Leader, Geomatics Read More

Paul Maciejowski

Senior Associate, Transportation

Dallas Kuzek

Land Surveyor, Managing Leader, Geomatics

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