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Lynn Canyon Suspension gets extra tension

$175,000 re-enforcement project slated to wrap up in June
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After a century spent hanging around, it’s time for a little upkeep.

District of North Vancouver crews are currently in the midst of re-enforcing the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge for the first time in the span’s 106-year history.

While there are no signs of cracking or corrosion on the bridge’s steel straps, district engineers opted to introduce a safeguard due to the age of the crossing.

“It probably wasn’t designed for 100 years of service 105 years ago,” explained senior project engineer Brian Counihan.

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The suspension bridge has offered scenic views since before the First World War. - photo supplied North Vancouver Museum and Archives

The current project is about providing what Counihan called a “backup system” by installing new rock anchors behind the existing railway beams. Since 1912, the bridge has been secured by paper clip-shaped metal straps that link the suspension cables with the deadman anchor. Once crews have drilled eight metres into the rock and secured their anchor blocks with concrete, the new wire ropes will provide extra security on the bridge.

“We’re just quite fortunate that, from a geotechnical standpoint, we have very good rock,” Counihan said.

Initially slated to wrap up by the end of May, the work is now slated to be complete by mid- to late-June, according to Counihan.

The delay stems from a four-week wait on the fabrication of the cables, he said.

While there may be intermittent closures, crews will try to maintain access throughout construction, according to Counihan.

Once complete, the project should keep Lynn Canyon visitors in suspense for another century, according to Counihan.

The project was initially slated for last fall but was delayed for budget constraints. The current plan is to complete work and eliminate detours prior to the busy summer season.

The approximate budget for the work is $175,000, including design, according to Counihan.

After noting the bridge deck’s wood planking and aluminum sheeting is “quite worn,” district staff requested funds to replace the 11-year-old bridge deck in 2019.