[mr.x]

Golden Ears Bridge

The Golden Ears Bridge is a new six-lane cable-stayed bridge to be built between Langley and Maple Ridge, British Columbia, crossing the Fraser River. The new bridge, owned by TransLink, will span one kilometre and have a clearance of 40 metres. The construction project, officially launched in June 2006, will create 13 kilometres of new road. It will have direct connections to Lougheed Highway, Maple Meadows Way, 113B Avenue, 200th Street, 176th Street (Highway 15) and the Trans-Canada Highway. The Golden Ears Bridge began construction in the summer of 2006 and is slated to open in the summer of 2009 and has a fixed total construction cost of $808 million.

Fast Facts:
- first electronic tolled bridge in Western Canada
- to open June 05, 2009

Roads:
- 13.3 kilometres of 2, 4 and 6-lane mainline roadway including the main bridge span
- 5 kilometres of on- and off-ramps
- 12.2 kilometres of municipal street upgrades
- 2 kilometres of modifications on provincial highways and interchanges

Bridges:

- 17 named bridges including the main river bridge
- Total 4,656 m of bridge length
- Total 112,000 square metres of bridge deck

http://www.thunderbirdvillage.ca/images/Golden-Ears-Bridge_map.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Medium/bridge_medium.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Medium/bridgerender_large.jpg

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/2/28/400px-Golden_Ears_Bridge_rendering.JPG





Naming

The project was named through a community process and reflects the well-known lower Fraser Valley landmark, the Golden Ears peaks, which crown Mount Blanshard in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The successful submission to name the bridge was that of George Tabert, a local pastor.
http://www.trailsbc.ca/southwest_region/sw_photos/Poco/golden_ears.jpg






Aesthetics

The Golden Ears peaks look down on the bridge from the north. There are several explanations for the origin of the term “Golden Ears.” By one local account, "Golden Ears" is a modification of “Golden Aeries”, referring to the nests of the eagles that thrive on Canada’s Pacific coast.

The eagle has been chosen as a symbol for the bridge, and will be displayed on project signs and on the bridge towers. Click here to view a scale model.

The design theme also recognizes First Nations and their relationship to the land through the inclusion of “fish trap” fences and specially designed lanterns along the roadway. The planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses will build a sense of harmony along the corridor and help to integrate the facility within the region.

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/landing%20with%20the%20mount-840%20(2).jpg
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/soaring%20with%20the%20mount-840%20(2).jpg






Ferry Replacement

TransLink's current operating plan calls for the opening of the bridge to be followed by the cessation of the Albion Ferry, a passenger/vehicle ferry that has been operational since 7 June 1957 and employs 59 full-time and 18 auxiliary employees. In 2003, annual traffic amounted to 1.5 million vehicles and 4.0 million passengers.
http://www.vancouver.hm/albion.jpg






Technical Features

The main river bridge concept for the Golden Ears project is an adaptation of the Alex Fraser cable-stayed bridge, designed by our consulting associates, Buckland & Taylor. The Alex Fraser, completed in the 1980s, spans the Fraser River west of the Golden Ears crossing, and connects the municipalities of Richmond and New Westminster (on the north shore) with the municipality of Delta.

When it opened in 1986, the Alex Fraser was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. Golden Crossing Constructors have used their international experience in bridge construction to update the Alex Fraser concept, creating a much lower-profile bridge design.

Improvements in design will allow for more rapid and more accurate assembly of steel and construction of the cable anchorages. The deck framing system, made of a composite of materials, is very light, reducing the seismic load on the substructure and foundations.

One substantial technical challenge in this project was to develop a foundation design that will allow for timely and cost-effective construction in the deep layers of soft silt of the Fraser River.

The design selected will make use of large-diameter bored piles. These are new to British Columbia, but were recently used by engineers from the project team on the My Thuan Bridge in Viet Nam.

The construction process required to sink these piles requires a minimum of specialized equipment compared with more conventional methods, and it has less impact on the marine environment.

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/bridge-diagram_large.jpg






The First Electronic Tolls in Western Canada

Scheduled to open in mid-2009, TransLink’s Golden Ears Bridge will be the first bridge or road in western Canada to use fully-electronic tolling technology.

TransLink will use the revenue collected from bridge users to finance the construction, operation and maintenance of the TransLink-owned bridge and its associated network of major road improvements.

The Golden Ears Bridge’s electronic toll system will mean nonstop toll payment by bridge users. There will be no toll booths, and vehicles will not stop or slow down to pay the toll, keeping the traffic flowing freely.

Instead of toll booths, each lane of traffic will be equipped with electronic sensors and digital cameras. As a vehicle moves across the bridge at highway speed, the sensors identify the type of vehicle, and cameras record the vehicle’s front and rear license plates. Sensors also detect if the vehicle is equipped with a transponder - a special electronic device that can be leased by the vehicle owner. The sensor and photographic data is used to ensure the applicable toll is collected from the vehicle owner, for each use of the bridge.

When the new Golden Ears Bridge opens in 2009, motor vehicles will cross the bridge for free for the first month, giving TransLink time to test the new tolling technology and providing travelers with an opportunity to experience the benefits of reduced travel times.

TOLL RATES:

Car
- registered vehicle with transponder: $2.85
- registered vehicle without transponder: $3.45
- unregistered vehicle: $4.00

Small Truck
- registered vehicle with transponder: $5.75
- registered vehicle without transponder: $6.30
- unregistered vehicle: $6.80

Large Truck
- registered vehicle with transponder: $8.60
- registered vehicle without transponder: $9.15
- unregistered vehicle: $9.75

Motorcycle
- registered vehicle with transponder: $1.45
- registered vehicle without transponder: $2.00
- unregistered vehicle: $2.55

TransLink retains control of the toll rates, which will be adjusted annually to reflect inflation, rounded to the nearest nickel, once the Golden Ears Bridge is open.

To ensure the toll is collected fairly and equitably from users, ICBC is able to refuse to issue a driver’s license, vehicle license and vehicle insurance when a person owes TransLink an excessive toll debt. These terms are defined in the tolling bylaw, approved by the TransLink Board of Directors.

Bicycles, pedestrians, emergency vehicles, TransLink buses, transit support vehicles, and project maintenance vehicles will not have to pay the toll.
http://ti.org/electronicroadpricing.jpg









Public-Private Joint Venture

Led by Bilfinger Berger (Canada) Inc., the Canadian arm of Bifinger Berger Civil, a global leader in engineering, and CH2M HILL, an internationally respected project manager, the Golden Crossing Constructors Joint Venture combines international experience in designing and constructing long span bridge structures with a strong local presence.

Members of the Joint Venture have worked on major international bridge projects such as the My Thuan Bridge across the Mekong River in Viet Nam, the Puento Centenario spanning the Panama Canal, the Alex Fraser Bridge in Greater Vancouver and many other transportation infrastructure projects in British Columbia.

The Joint Venture is providing design and construction services for the Golden Ears Bridge project under contract with the Golden Crossing General Partnership. In March 2006, the General Partnership concluded an agreement with TransLink to manage the design, construction, operation, maintenance and rehabilitation of the Golden Ears Bridge and mainline route over a period of 35.5 years. The General Partnership is a special purpose company established by Bilfinger Berger BOT Inc., the Canadian project development arm of Bilfinger Berger.








Fast Facts about TransLink's Golden Ears Bridge


The Golden Ears Bridge will be the most significant improvement to the Greater Vancouver road system since the completion of the Alex Fraser Bridge in 1986.

Construction began in summer 2006, with a scheduled opening date of summer 2009.

The new bridge, a project developed by TransLink, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, will provide a vital new link between communities on the south side of the river—Langley and Surrey—and the north side communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Financing is provided by the Golden Crossing General Partnership under a 35.5 year agreement with TransLink. The transportation authority is to repay the General Partnership over time after the bridge is open.

The "Golden Ears" are twin mountain peaks that look down on the bridge site from north of the Fraser River.

Studies conducted for TransLink show that the new bridge will have major long-term impacts on the region, improving travel times and promoting economic activity.

The project connects the Trans-Canada Highway in both Surrey and Langley (on the south side of the Fraser River) with the Lougheed Highway (Highway 7), 128 Avenue, and the new Pitt Meadows Airport Way on the north side of the river.

Construction of the new bridge and road network will create more than one billion dollars in economic activity and 6,500 person years of employment.

The Golden Crossing Constructors Joint Venture is managing design and construction. The joint venture is made up of Bilfinger Berger (Canada) Inc., the Canadian arm of a global engineering and construction firm, and CH2M HILL, an international engineering and project management firm. Together, they combine international expertise with a strong local engineering and construction presence. The Joint Venture has engaged leading B.C.-based firms to supply components and profesional services and provide design and construction labour and expertise.

The GCCJV team places the highest priority on the safety of workers and the public, on quality, on working productively with First Nations, and on operating in an environmentally sustainable manner. Residents and motorists are regularly notified of construction activities that may affect their neighbourhoods or create traffic diversions on provincial highways and on local streets and roads.

The aesthetic design of the bridge will reflect the unique social, physical and natural environments of this region. Elements such as sculptured lighting features, golden eagles and a “fish trap” fence will create a sense of unique character for the project. The use of state-of-the-art technology will allow the boring, rather than driving of piles in the river, reducing disruption to the marine environment.

- The Golden Ears Bridge will be a 1 km, six-lane bridge that spans the Fraser River
- The bridge will connect Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to Langley and Surrey at approximately 200 Street
- Includes the construction of 16 bridges, ramps and viaducts including the main river bridge
- A total of 4,656 metres of structures will be built once the bridge is complete
- More than 13 kilometers of mainline roadway will be constructed, much of which will be landscaped
- The project includes 11.5 kilometers of local road reconstruction
- The Golden Ears Bridge and associated road network is scheduled to open mid 2009


- The project is expected to bring close to $1-billion in local construction-related activity to the area
- The project will provide an estimated 6,500 person-years of employment
- Commuters will save up to 40 minutes per peak-hour round-trip from Maple Ridge to Langley
- In the long-range, more than 700 new businesses forecast in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Surrey and Langley

- The Golden Ears Bridge design includes 2-metre-wide cycling and pedestrian pathways on each side of vehicle traffic, protected by a concrete barrier
- The main bridge pathways are part of the Trans-Canada Trail
- More than 6 kilometers of new pathway will be built in Surrey and Pitt Meadows with connections to existing trail networks in Langley, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge

- TransLink retains overall responsibility and ownership of this project
- TransLink has concluded a 35.5-year agreement with the Golden Crossing General Partnership to finance, design, build, maintain and rehabilitate the bridge and main roadway. The Partnership is owned by Ontario-based Bilfinger Berger BOT Inc.
- The Golden Crossing Joint Venture is managing detailed design and construction. The Joint Venture combines the skills and experience of Bilfinger Berger (Canada) Inc. and CH2M Hill Canada Ltd., which are Canadian branches of international engineering firms.

[mr.x]

Construction Milestones

The Golden Ears Bridge project is an initiative ofTransLink, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority. The scheduled opening date for the bridge is mid-2009. The timing of all construction activities is subject to permitting and approval by government authorities.


April 2006

* Golden Crossing Constructors Joint Venture begins pre-construction activity with test work north and south of the Fraser River.

June 27, 2006

* Joint Venture, TransLink and Golden Crossing General Partnership officially launch construction activity.

Spring to Fall 2006

* Survey work to establish construction corridor.

Summer 2006

* Work begins in the Fraser River – soil densification in preparation for pile boring.
* Clearing for Golden Ears Route begins in the Unnamed Creek area, west Port Kells (Surrey), and the Westcon area between Telegraph Trail and 199A Street along the south side of the Canadian National rail tracks.
* Start of preloading for northern connector road, Maple Ridge.

Fall 2006

* Piling in the river at the southernmost bridge pier site. This work then moves from south to north across four pier sites.
* Start of preparatory work foroverpasses of the Golden Ears Route at the Trans-Canada Highway and Barnston Drive, Surrey.
* Start of piling for Westcon elevated roadway, Surrey/Langley border.

Late 2006

* Completion of piling at Westcon; columns and abutments appearing.
* Start of piling for North Viaduct to main bridge, Maple Ridge.
* Clearing for new connecting road from 201 Street to 199A Street, Langley.
* Clearing for Lougheed Highway Interchange, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows border.

Early 2007

* Start of piling for south approach to main bridge, Langley.
* Start of northwest Langley road improvements: 201 Street upgrades, connecting route from 199A Street to 200 Street.
* Clearing in the Anniedale section (Trans Canada to 176 Street, Surrey).
* Drainage work for the Lougheed Highway Interchange, Pitt Meadows.
* Start of improvements to 96 Avenue betweenTelegraph Trail and 201 Street, Langley.

Spring 2007

* Opening of 201 Street to 199A Street Connector, Northwest Langley; implementation of one-way traffic loop on 201, 199A and 200 Streets.
* First girders at Westcon overpass, Langley
* Start of improvements to 192 Street, Surrey.
* Utility work and earthworks on Golden Ears mainline, 176 Street to 182 Street, Surrey, plus pattern changes to the Anniedale street network
* South bridge approach piling work on 201 Street North, Langley.
* Completion of main bridge piling work, Fraser River; in-river construction schedule shifts from 24 hours per day to daytime hours.
* Major utility relocation for the Northern Connector between 113B Avenue and the south end of Maple Meadows Way, Maple Ridge
* Clearing for the Abernethy Connector western section, Lougheed to 203 Street, Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge

Summer 2007

* Earthwork, 176 Street to Trans Canada, Surrey
* Resume construction of the Trans Canada and Barnston Drive overpasses of the Golden Ears Route
* Earthwork, Golden Ears mainline 192 Street to Telegraph Trail
* Completion of 199A Street/200 Street realignment, Langley
* Begin piling for 199A Street offramp, Langley
* Begin piling for 201 Street onramp, Langley
* Begin girder installation for south bridge approach near 100A Avenue, Langley
* Completion of north bridge approach precast piling, Maple Ridge
* Reconstruct Dunn Avenue, Maple Ridge.
* Clearing for Meadowtown Viaduct, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows border and construction road to Lougheed Highway
* Start of piling for Meadowtown Viaduct, Canadian Pacific Rail overpass and Lougheed Highway overpass, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows border
* Start preloading for Lougheed Highway Interchange
* Complete road base forAbernethy Connector west of 203 street; begin preloadingwest of 210 Street

Fall 2007

* Completion of piling for 201 Street on ramp and 199A Street off ramp, Langley
* Begin reconstruction of Trans-Canada Highway sections to create overpasses of the Golden Ears Route
* Earthwork for 96 Avenue to mainline connector, Surrey
* Completion of improvements to 192 Street, Surrey
* Completion of at-grade improvements, 96 Avenue area, Langley
* Beginwidening of 200 Street from 92A Avenue to Chevron station, Langley
* Construction on southernmost in-river tower reaches deck level
* Begin girder installation for northern connector
* Closure of Maple Meadows Way from Dunn Avenue to 200 Street to allowmajor utility relocation, road work and construction of off ramp

Late 2007

* Begin piling for the Lougheed Highway interchange and for the eastbound offramp from Lougheed Highway to the Meadowtown Viaduct

Spring 2008

* Completion of Barnston Drive overpass, Surrey
* Completion of Westcon overpass, Surrey/Langley
* Widening and improvements, 201 Street North, Langley.
* Begin piling for 113B Avenue interchange, Maple Ridge
* Completion of new Hammond Road/Maple Meadows Way roundabout

Summer 2008

* Paving of mainline and completion of 176 Street intersection, Anniedale area, Surrey
* Completion of Trans-Canada Highway overpass, Surrey.
* Start of Telegraph Trail realignment, Langley
* Completion of 199A Street offramp and 201 Street onramp, Langley
* Completion of south bridge approach, Langley
* Completion of 113B Avenue Interchange, Maple Ridge.
* Completion of South Viaduct, Langley, and North Viaduct, Maple Ridge.
* Improvements at 210 Street and 132 Avenue intersection, Maple Ridge

Fall 2008

* Completion of mainline roadway, Trans Canada to Westcon overpass, Surrey, and 96 Avenue to mainline connector
* Completion of Unnamed Creek bridge, Surrey
* Completion of Telegraph Trail realignment, Langley
* Completion of 199A Street exit ramp, Langley.
* Completion of main bridge deck
* Completion of north bridge approach
* Completion of northern connector roadway from main bridge to CP Rail, Maple Ridge
* Completion of 113B Avenue interchange, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows
* Completion of Lougheed Highway interchange and eastbound Lougheed Highway offramp to Meadowtown Viaduct, Pitt Meadows

Late 2008/Early 2009/Spring 2009

* Installation of main bridge lighting and signage,with full operation to begin in summer 2009.
* Completion of CP Rail overpass, Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows
* Completion of Meadowtown Viaduct and Maple Meadows Way offramp
* Completion of Abernethy Connector


---------------------------------------------------------------

Project Launch - September 2006
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Medium/GCCJV_Team_at_the_project_launch_medium.jpg



North approach to the future Golden Ears Bridge near Wharf Street in Maple Ridge. August 2007.
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/North%20Approach%20LG.jpg



Pierheads, Westcon Overpass. May 2007.
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/weston%20columns.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/westcon%20girders.jpg



South bridge approach at Canadian National Railway, Langley, BC. November 2007.
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/100A%20Ave%2019%20lg.jpg




201 Street on ramp (crossbeam, at right) meets south bridge approach near 100A Avenue, Langley. November 2007.
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/100A%20Ave%209%20LG.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/201%20street%20columns.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/worker%20on%20crossbeam%203%20LG.jpg





Piling in the Fraser River south side September 2006
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Medium/Piling_in_the_Fraser_River_south_side_Spetember_2006_medium.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/fraser%20river%20piling%2012%20large.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/M3%20on%20the%20river%20Oct%207%20LG.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/bridge%20line%203%20%20LG.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/legs1%20LG.jpg

[SFUVancouver]

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/worker%20on%20crossbeam%203%20LG.jpg

There's your sense of scale for you.

Good job mr.x2! Your posts are always first rate. Your thoroughness even puts the government website to shame.

[mr.x]

awwww....thx.....*blushes*


the construction pictures remind me of the Canada Line....and really, this seems to be the one project we've all forgotten about.


this one looks like an oil rig is being built
http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/M3%20on%20the%20river%20Oct%207%20LG.jpg

[mr.x]

More pictures from Flickr - wthin the past 2 months
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/1935344510_e05a6e6640.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/1704412283_fd573826ec.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2260/1704422075_c46e933928.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/1705287440_863929e1df.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/1583782565_7700f34b85.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2266/1583782587_473e1e4fee.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2028/1583782559_baf5e6f826.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/1526893386_ee1b6eb653.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2056/1526856554_339f6e180c.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1023/1363048418_2d50aa1ee8.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/1362161381_28184f1ac6.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1161/1363048818_227d5fbd93.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1420/1096494195_7f1ce3224e.jpg?v=0

[Stingray2004]

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/100A%20Ave%209%20LG.jpg


Yeah, I was driving adjacent to those structures last week... pretty cool and appear much larger in person.

The project will also comprise three interchanges as well as extensive use of viaducts, particularly on the northern mainline (Maple Meadows side).

I would have rather preferred that the project be under MoT auspices though rather than under the jurisdiction of Translink, for several reasons.

1. Design flaw in Lougheed Hwy interchange - GEB northbound traffic to Lougheed Hwy westbound will have a traffic light rather than a free-flow loop or directional ramp... a design similar to the current and outdated Brunette overpass on Hwy 1. I can imagine traffic backing up at that location.

http://goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/Fraser%20North.pdf


2. Goofy Speed Limits - During the initial MoT study of 1999, a speed limit of 90 km/hr was suggested and appeared to be optimal for urban expressway standard. However, the speed limit on the bridge itself will be 80 km/hr, while the southern mainline will be 60 km/hr and the northern mainline will be 70 km/hr. IMHO, foolish and not consistent.

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/documents/geb_sl_map.pdf

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
From the 1999 MoT study:

"Functionally, total probable traffic estimates indicate the need for a higher order facility. Within the context of the boundary conditions characterized by the TCH (Urban Freeway) and the Lougheed Highway (Urban Expressway/Arterial) the possible function of the additional Fraser River Crossing is framed. Based on the anticipated travel demand characteristics and the boundary conditions, the desired role for an additional Fraser River Crossing should be for regional/provincial mobility (with emphasis on the regional aspect). The function of the additional Fraser River Crossing should be Urban Expressway."

"The configuration of this expressway includes 2 general purpose lanes in each direction and safely conveys traffic at a posted speed of up to 90 km/h.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Speed consistency, as well as a higher posted speed limit on an urban expressway, are important considering that traffic will be exiting off the Lougheed Hwy at a posted 80 km/hr at the northern GEB terminus and exiting off of Hwy 15 at a posted 80 km/hr at the southern GEB terminus with operating speeds on those two routes already in excess of 90 km/hr.

[deasine]

And you would think that there will be a proper interchange at Lougheed Hwy. I just noticed that... thansk for pointing it out.

Thanks mr.x2, excellent compillation of the golden ears.

[SpongeG]

you can see it quite well from thrifty foods in coquitlam

so the toll is electronic - does that mean you get a ticket or bill in the mail? its not clear in there other than it records your license and vehicle type etc.

[raggedy13]

Great pics. It's cool how they have that row of cranes along the river. It is certainly much larger than I originally imagined.

[officedweller]

Thanks for the pics!

The Lougheed interchange configuration could have to do with the footprint and the proximity to the subdivision to the east (and buying up the golf course).

That Meadowtown viaduct looks pretty close to the strip mall.

[SpongeG]

yah i think they designed the mall knowing where the route was - its seems as though the mall is all ready for the new roads

[excel]

Really coming along, thanks for the info and pics.

[Stingray2004]

A few more relatively newer pics:

North Side

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/North%20Approach%20View%2006Dec07%20large.jpg

Over Fraser River

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2181088446_4c50b69928.jpg?v=0

South Side

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Launcher%20at%20CN%20Oct%2007%20large.jpg

[excel]

Great updates, thanks.

[hollywoodnorth]

wow this this is looking great! nice work all around :)

[officedweller]

Webcam:

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/code/navigate.php?Id=22

[SFUVancouver]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/2712/p1050292rq2.jpg

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/6414/goldenearsbridgejan2920yw4.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/275/p1050296mf6.jpg

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1632/p1050286zh0.jpg

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/7999/p1050289cl3.jpg

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/6862/p1050302wb8.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/1126/p1050301uy2.jpg

My photos, taken Tuesday, January 29th

[Canadian Mind]

Fuck, feels liek we Canadians build everything out of concrete these days, even the I-beams are concrete. Whatever happened to Steel in construction?

[mr.x]

that's pretty impressive. thx for posting!

[SpongeG]

Fuck, feels liek we Canadians build everything out of concrete these days, even the I-beams are concrete. Whatever happened to Steel in construction?

we had some relatives or friends visiting from South Africa in the early 90's and one of them said we should invest in concrete - she was amazed by how much concrete was used here

[Canadian Mind]

So it is true that it isn't used as much elsewhere?

[SFUVancouver]

Regarding our prodigious use of concrete, it works.

Pre-stressed concrete is almost an entirely different material than the conventional poured-in-place variety. Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-stressed_concrete).

We also don't have to deal with very much freeze-thaw in BC that can weaken concrete over time. Also, it is cheaper. More bridges for the same amount of money.

It isn't just us either. Pre-stressed concrete box girder bridges are being built all over the world.

Lastly, pre-stressed concrete bridges, especially cable-stayed bridges, are way lighter than their steel equivalents. The reduced pier footprint and foundation requirements translate into shorter construction schedules and I also would imagine it would broaden the number of viable crossing points up for consideration.

Engineers, am I on the right track?

[Stingray2004]

Some more from Flickr:

Looking Northward to Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2197/2213532486_45d43c69d3.jpg?v=0

Looking southward toward Surrey/Langley:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2243/2218255982_1b6a49ec0f.jpg?v=0

[deasine]

wow the aerial shot looks beautiful

[mr.x]

is that a cranberry farm beside the bridge?

looks beautiful anyhow.

[excel]

This is a sweet project.

[worldwide]

one lower mainland roads project i truly believe we need.

[vanlaw]

is that a cranberry farm beside the bridge?

looks beautiful anyhow.

No, it's a sewage treatment facility.

Up until about 9 years ago, the big lime plant directly to the east of the bridge was a big vacant piece of land that was termed "the lime pit" - used to party there a lot, lots of 4x4ing etc. Was actually a great place - unless the wind was blowing wrong way.

[Stingray2004]

A couple more...

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_Fraser_SunFlare.jpg


http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_FraserBelowUp.jpg

[mr.x]

The bridge will be free of toll for the first month so that Translink can test out the tolling systems.



5JeA84JI6-o



Golden Ears bridge: on budget, on time
Updated: Sat Apr. 05 2008 19:04:02

ctvbc.ca

Construction of the $800-million Golden Ears Bridge, which will span one kilometre and connect Langley and Pitt Meadows, reached the halfway point this week.

Translink Chair Dale Parker announced Saturday the project is on schedule and on budget, which means by the summer of 2009 there will be six lanes of cars and trucks, two lanes of bicycles and two lanes of pedestrians moving across the Fraser River.

It's a massive project that will also include 14 kilometres of new roadway, much of it elevated to cross highways and rail lines and improve transportation in the surrounding communities. Another 11.5 kilometres of local road reconstruction will be done.

The province says this is the first major improvement to Metro Vancouver's transportation system in 20 years - and more megaprojects are in the works, as the province forecasts that 1 million more people will move into the region in the next 25 years.

B.C. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon turned out for Saturday's media preview of the site.

"I'm here as a tourist to take a look and to see how this project will complement the provincial vision," Falcon said.

Some highlights of the Golden Ears project:

- There will be 16 bridges, ramps and viaducts including the main river bridge.
- A total of 4,656 metres of structures will be built once the bridge is complete.
- The bridge is expected to spur the eventual growth of 700 new businesses in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Surrey and Langley.
- The Golden Ears project is an adaptation of the Alex Fraser cable-stayed bridge, which sits further west on the Fraser River and connects Richmond and New Westminster with the municipality of Delta.

The Golden Ears megaproject, when completed, will knock at least 30 minutes off the time it currently takes to get from Langley to Pitt Meadows.

To recover costs, a toll of approximately $3 will be charged to drivers.

[hollywoodnorth]

Go Falcon Go!

[mr.x]

Go Falcon Go!

Too much credit....

[clooless]

What confuses me is that after poring over the maps the only "direct connection" between the TCH and the bridge that I can see is via 200th/201st Street, or via the 176th Street exit to the new mainline route. There are no ramps either westbound or eastbound that directly connect the TCH to the mainline route to the bridge.

[agrant]

Not quite sure what you mean with your last sentence. Isn't the 200th street overpass the main connection between the bridge and TCH? There are westbound and eastbound ramps there. You probably mean something else, but I can't figure it out. :)

[natelox]

Regarding our prodigious use of concrete, it works.

Pre-stressed concrete is almost an entirely different material than the conventional poured-in-place variety. Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-stressed_concrete).

We also don't have to deal with very much freeze-thaw in BC that can weaken concrete over time. Also, it is cheaper. More bridges for the same amount of money.

It isn't just us either. Pre-stressed concrete box girder bridges are being built all over the world.

Lastly, pre-stressed concrete bridges, especially cable-stayed bridges, are way lighter than their steel equivalents. The reduced pier footprint and foundation requirements translate into shorter construction schedules and I also would imagine it would broaden the number of viable crossing points up for consideration.?

Not all of this is true. Firstly, I would not say that pre-stressed concrete is an entirely different material. It is some-what different in its construction and because of that, its has the ability to span greater distances, but it is still subject to all the usual advantages (fire-resistant, durable) and disadvantages (heavy, porous) that any other form of concrete is subject to.

Secondly, while I cannot say in confidence that Vancouver is highly susceptible to freeze-thaw conditions, I can say that the theory behind it makes sense that Vancouver would in fact, be susceptible to it. Freeze-thaw description (http://www.concrete-experts.com/pages/ft.htm). Vancouver has very wet winters, and whenever the temperature drops below freezing we have the potential for freeze-thaw problems. Now, Vancouver doesn't drop below freezing that often, but the potential definitely exists and should be considered in design.

Pre-stressed concrete is not lighter than steel. I cannot speak to the design requirement for a bridge, but if we look at a normal building with a live load requirement of 40lbs/sqft, concrete weighs 75lbs/sqft. The amount of extra concrete and rebar you need to support the weight of the concrete itself makes it inefficient. The ratio of dead load to live load is 1.875. If you look at wood, or steel, it can be as low as 0.25 (For every one pound of steel or wood, it can support four pounds of load) Steel is much faster to build too.

So why do we use concrete? I think it is because it is a local product. Steel is not manufactured anywhere near BC. We can get concrete from Granville Island (or Richmond, in the case of the Golden Ears Bridge). The pieces are floated down the Fraser River on a barge which allows huge sections to be moved easily without much energy or disruption to local roads. We have the infrastructure, the knowledge, the trades and the material. It is representative of the regional vernacular. If you want steel just for the sake of wanting steel, well you may be looking at it from the wrong perspective.

[clooless]

Not quite sure what you mean with your last sentence. Isn't the 200th street overpass the main connection between the bridge and TCH? There are westbound and eastbound ramps there. You probably mean something else, but I can't figure it out. :)

Yes, that's what I mean. I don't understand why all the bridge traffic from the TCH will transit via 200th Street when the mainline highway (the road from 176th Street direct to the bridge) being built for the new bridge passes directly under the TCH, yet no ramps will connect the mainline route to the TCH. That is going to throw an enormous amount of traffic onto 200th/201st Street.

[bugsy]

So typical in Metro Vancouver -- they spend money to build a bridge that will end up clogging streets. Why do they not directly connect Hwy 1 to the bridge without any lights -- don't they want to move traffic? Its pretty stupid if they aren't doing that. Stuipid but typical. Just like the overpass on Russ Baker Way in Richmond -- they came up with this whole system of overpasses basically to make traffic worse and unconnected. No forsight. Weird.

[agrant]

Yes, that's what I mean. I don't understand why all the bridge traffic from the TCH will transit via 200th Street when the mainline highway (the road from 176th Street direct to the bridge) being built for the new bridge passes directly under the TCH, yet no ramps will connect the mainline route to the TCH. That is going to throw an enormous amount of traffic onto 200th/201st Street.Wouldn't you only need one option to get to the bridge from the highway? It's the most direct route from the highway, and remember that 200th street will be 6 lanes - same as the bridge.

[SpongeG]

they have been making big changes in langley in prep for the bridge 200th and that other road have really changed -i don't know the cross street but if yopu are familiar with langley its the one with wendys and mcdonalds etc on it goes out to ft langley... east/west road...

I don't think it will be that bad - i think they planned it as a local route to connect surrey/langley and maple ridge only

[clooless]

Wouldn't you only need one option to get to the bridge from the highway? It's the most direct route from the highway, and remember that 200th street will be 6 lanes - same as the bridge.

Yes, but they're simply pushing bridge traffic from the TCH onto an arterial road while building a new highway just to the west that will not connect to the TCH. I don't get it.

[deasine]

I finally know how to upload videos to youtube from Global =D

SH0onlL7K3M

[SFUVancouver]

Hearing them repeatedly say "three P" instead of "P three" made me chuckle.

Glad to see it coming along.

I have yet to hear whether the toll will be temporary or permanent. I think it should be permanent.

[zivan56]

So typical in Metro Vancouver -- they spend money to build a bridge that will end up clogging streets. Why do they not directly connect Hwy 1 to the bridge without any lights -- don't they want to move traffic? Its pretty stupid if they aren't doing that. Stuipid but typical. Just like the overpass on Russ Baker Way in Richmond -- they came up with this whole system of overpasses basically to make traffic worse and unconnected. No forsight. Weird.

It is a tolled bridge. I have a feeling that a large number of people would be directed to the bridge and try to turn off at the last minute when they see it is tolled if that happened.

[agrant]

Yes, but they're simply pushing bridge traffic from the TCH onto an arterial road while building a new highway just to the west that will not connect to the TCH. I don't get it.I just had a look at the project home page (http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/code/navigate.php?Id=4)... The map they have shows you can get to the new highway via the 176th on/off ramp. So there's no problem there.

[SpongeG]

http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/media.canada.com/idl/vapr/20080406/178070-58256.jpg
This view looks south from inside a metal basket held up by a crane on the under-construction Golden Ears Bridge, which will link Langley and Pitt Meadows.
Photograph by : Arlen Redekop, The Province

[clooless]

I just had a look at the project home page (http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/code/navigate.php?Id=4)... The map they have shows you can get to the new highway via the 176th on/off ramp. So there's no problem there.

You still have to exit at 176th Street, turn left onto 176th Street (if you are traveling westbound on the TCH) drive a short distance, then turn left onto the bridge connector. I don't consider that a "direct connection" when the freaking highway passes directly over top of the new connector.

[SpongeG]

they want to limit the number of exits on the freeway

again i think its more of a local service than anything and those wanting to use it will know enought of how to get around

[clooless]

they want to limit the number of exits on the freeway

again i think its more of a local service than anything and those wanting to use it will know enought of how to get around

I think that makes the most sense. Good point.

[G-Slice]

It is a tolled bridge. I have a feeling that a large number of people would be directed to the bridge and try to turn off at the last minute when they see it is tolled if that happened.

Of course, they might surprise us all and decide to write something like, "Maple Ridge via Golden Ears Bridge, Toll: $3.00" before the exit from the TCH.

[Delirium]

nice photo from flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2406138138_e86ef10fc8_b.jpg
source; http://www.flickr.com/photos/dereka/2406138138/

[clooless]

Ohhhhh...pretty.

[excel]

Cool find.

[officedweller]

Nice shot.

Anyone else find it interesting / odd that they are hanging cables from the towers when the top of the tower is still being poured???

[deasine]

haha i just noticed that... I guess it's the only way when you are building both the bridge deck and the towers at the same time

[Stingray2004]

Anyone else find it interesting / odd that they are hanging cables from the towers when the top of the tower is still being poured???

Here are the construction shots for the cable-stayed Alex Fraser Bridge as it was being built:

http://modena.intergate.ca/personal/pl8s/BC91E/Hwy_91_AVB.htm

[agrant]

Doesn't seem that unusual to me. The upper portions without cables wouldn't be carrying any weight. If it has passed a structural inspection, then why not install the cables? I guess it's the same with buildings... while floors are being added above, tradesmen can work on the mechanicals below.

[Mininari]

Has anyone taken any pictures of the progress on the Lougheed Interchange as of late?

[Stingray2004]

Has anyone taken any pictures of the progress on the Lougheed Interchange as of late?

Only what one can find on Flickr:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2375801487_8951ee0286_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2376531464_265b1529f9_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/2337092572_5705189c68_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2336258937_343b67b90a_m.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/2336258097_50d7c49b53_m.jpg

[Stingray2004]

A couple of newer shots of the Golden Ears:


http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_SAVAirMar08.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_MnBrdg03.jpg

[officedweller]

Nice, thanks.

You can see the two one-way couplets to/from the south in that first shot.

[vanlaw]

[QUOTE=Stingray2004;3481665]Only what one can find on Flickr:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2375801487_8951ee0286_m.jpg
QUOTE]

I think those are all Pitt River Bridge?

I may be mistaken by the initial question - is the "Loughheed Interchange" the Pitt River bridge expansion, or will there be a new interchange on loughheed to tie in with the new GE Bridge?

[excel]

great update thanks.

[Mininari]

Sorry, I guess I should have been more clear.

I was referring to the interchange that is being built on Lougheed highway to tie the Golden Ears route into the Abernethy Connector, and the Lougheed Highway itself.



[QUOTE=Stingray2004;3481665]Only what one can find on Flickr:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2375801487_8951ee0286_m.jpg
QUOTE]

I think those are all Pitt River Bridge?

I may be mistaken by the initial question - is the "Loughheed Interchange" the Pitt River bridge expansion, or will there be a new interchange on loughheed to tie in with the new GE Bridge?

[mr.x]

Taken over the last month:


http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_PierM2_May6.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_GEBfly.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_MnBrdg01.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_brdgesky.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_brdgcalm.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_MnBrdg02.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_MnBrdg03.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_brdgmntnstretch.jpg

[deasine]

Those are beautiful shots =)

[Cypherus]

Thanks for the update Mr.X2

[excel]

Great update.

[hollywoodnorth]

wow thanks :)

[crazyjoeda]

Is the toll collected both ways?

[SpongeG]

some sad news

Foreign construction worker killed on Abernethy connector

A 41-year-old worker hit by a loaded dump truck Friday on the Golden Ears Bridge construction work site died a few hours later in hospital.

The accident happened at about 1:45 p.m. at 128th Avenue and 210th Street. The location is the site of the overpass that is being built to allow cattle to pass below the road that leads to the new Golden Ears Bridge.

Ian McLeod, spokesman for Golden Crossing Constructors Joint Venture, which is building the bridge for TransLink, said the man was a field engineer from Germany.

"My understanding is he was struck by the vehicle," McLeod said.

Police and emergency crews responded to the accident in the farmer's field after the truck had backed over the man.

Maple Ridge firefighters used their heavy lift air bags to raise the truck by about 45 centimetres, but because of the position of the man, they had to use a fork lift to tip up the truck to free him.

The air bags have the ability to lift a vehicle that weighs 70 tonnes.

After about an hour, the worker was freed from the truck and evacuated by B.C. Ambulance Service helicopter to Royal Columbian Hospital.

The engineer worked for Bilfinger Berger Canada as a subcontractor for the joint venture. Bilfinger and CH2M Hill are the companies that make up the joint venture.

McLeod said WorkSafe BC will be investigating and the company will be doing its own investigation.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/18863224.html

[Stingray2004]

Some more progress...

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_LangJune18_02.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_LangJune18_03.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_LangJune18_06.jpg

[mr.x]

^ that looks amazing, thx. i can't wait to drive on it.

[officedweller]

Nice. Thanks.

[SpongeG]

its quite visible from hwy #1 now :)

[deasine]

=D wow... =D

[SFUVancouver]

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6874/goldenearsbridgejuly272yr8.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, July 27th, 2008.

[yesheh]

That shot is gorgeous. Is that taken from the langley side on 201st?

[deasine]

wow traveled a long way to get this shot... and it's such a beautiful one =D

[Stingray2004]

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6874/goldenearsbridgejuly272yr8.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, July 27th, 2008.

Hey SFU excellent photo!!!

I know it's on the Langley side, but I couldn't figure out why the bridge deck seems to end in the middle of nowhere :D until I combined the above with the following pic:

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_SAVAirMar08.jpg

[officedweller]

Thanks for the explanation - I wonder why that on-ramp doesn't go straight to the bridge? Maybe to lessen the grade for trucks?

[clooless]

Possibly so they didn't have to expropriate the land or building underneath the on-ramp?

[excel]

amazing shot, thanks for that.

[SFUVancouver]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I am pretty pleased that shot turned out so well as I took it from a moving car with a fair amount of zoom.

I also apprecaite the explanation and aerial photos that explain why the bridge deck appears to abruptly end.

[SpongeG]

Thanks for the explanation - I wonder why that on-ramp doesn't go straight to the bridge? Maybe to lessen the grade for trucks?

i think maybe they want 200th to be the secondary route?

they have created a whole new road from surrey that goes under hwy #1 that seems the main route

[SFUVancouver]

^ That would be the South Fraser Perimeter Road/Hwy.

[SpongeG]

i am thinking of the one that connects with 96th ave in surrey

and comes out in port kells near the welcome to surrey sign...

isn't the new perimiter road closer to the river? further north?

[hollywoodnorth]

this thing is turning out GREAT :)

[Metro-One]

Hello, I am a long time lurker first time poster on this forum. I was in Maple Ridge last week so i took some photos of this project. I find this bridge/mini expressway project to be the most under recognized mega-project (along with the new Pitt River Bridge) in the Metro Vancouver area on this forum. I hope i am able to load these pictures correctly.

Cheers

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30634635@N03/2867988677/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30634635@N03/2867995203/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30634635@N03/2868824514/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30634635@N03/2867984381/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30634635@N03/2867981569/sizes/l/

All pictures are my own.

[LeftCoaster]

Thanks! Great pictures.

And welcome to the fourm.

[officedweller]

Nice! Thanks.

[deasine]

Welcome... wow you got shots of the project from many angles =)

[Metro-One]

Thank you, I will be sure to take more over the coming months.

[SpongeG]

80 Golden Ears bridge workers go unpaid for two weeks

Eighty foreign workers involved in the $800-million Golden Ears Bridge project were off the job Wednesday after not being paid by for the past two weeks.

The Construction Specialized Workers' Union said subcontractor Baulex Projects, which had hired the workers, told them on Tuesday it couldn't pay them because its bank accounts had been frozen by Revenue Canada when it failed to remit its taxes.

But a spokesman for the joint venture building the bridge said Baulex had been fired from the job on Monday because of substandard work.

"They weren't performing so the contract was terminated this week," said Ian McLeod, of the Golden Crossing Group. "Work is continuing. It's going to contain some reorganization on our part to fill that gap but we have other workers and companies. It's a little bump in the road."

The bridge, which will connect Langley and Maple Ridge, is expected to be completed by next summer. TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie said the project is on schedule.

Meanwhile, the union is now trying to get German-based Bilfinger Berger, which is part of the joint venture managing and designing the bridge project, to put the workers on its direct payroll and save their jobs. Otherwise, the workers, most of whom are from Serbia, will have to return home.

"I hope Bilfinger Berger will do the right thing and bring these workers onto the payroll," said union spokesman John Lynn. "There's no money in the bank and these workers don't have any support here."

But McLeod said the workers were hired by Baulex and their permits may not be transferable to Bilfinger.

"The joint venture was never the employer of these workers," he said. "We don't keep track of whether they were paid or not."

Baulex couldn't be reached for comment.

This is the second construction headache this year for Bilfinger, which was fired by Metro Vancouver from the $100-million Seymour-Capilano Filtration project earlier this year.

ksinoski@vancouversun.com

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=f92c188a-95d5-4718-9395-e26ecc1c6243

[deasine]

QuickPass electronic tolling will allow drivers to cross the bridge and pay the toll without stopping or slowing down.

http://www.translink.bc.ca/files/ge/toll_web.jpg

Instead of toll booths, electronic sensors and digital cameras will identify the type of vehicle and license plate number, and will detect whether or not the vehicle has a transponder. The sensor and photographic data will be used to ensure the applicable toll is collected from the vehicle owner, for each use of the bridge.

The Golden Ears Bridge will feature the first electronic
tolling system in western Canada.

Vehicle owners with a QuickPass transponder -- a special electronic device that will be available from TransLink -- will pay less to cross the bridge than those without a transponder

TransLink will use the toll revenue to finance the construction, operation and maintenance of the TransLink-owned bridge and its associated network of major road improvements. TransLink will set and retain control of toll rates.

Source: TransLink

[clooless]

With regards to the tolling, what happens with out-of-province or American vehicles?

I've been curious about this ever since they announced the electronic toll system.

[ckkelley]

With regards to the tolling, what happens with out-of-province or American vehicles?

I've been curious about this ever since they announced the electronic toll system.

I read an article recently that suggested that out of province vehicles get a free pass as there is no practical way of collecting.

[officedweller]

Likewise - Good to Go! in Washington State appears to use the state's licensing as a database. Maybe try driving across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in the Good to Go! lane.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_To_Go!

[LeftCoaster]

Its easy, you just recieve a bill in the mail. Its not hard for them to track down an out of province/state license plate. We drove on the 407 with our BC plates and sure enough 2 months later a bill for about 15 dollars showed up on my doorstep in Vancouver.

[deasine]

There are digital cameras so yeah that could be possible.

[mr.x]

From http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/code/navigate.php?Id=40


http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_ManPerspec.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_HighCurve.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/lrg_SthAppSdwlkPedRampSept17.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_BlueSteelCross.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_201Str%20Ramp%203.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_CuBeamCenter.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_CUcurve.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_HighColoss.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_BeamOut.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_201Str%20Ramp%202.jpg

http://www.goldenearsbridge.ca/upload/images/Gallery/Large/Lrg_BrdgCurve.jpg