May 9, 2024 (Toronto, Ontario) Egis received the highest award of engineering in Ontario from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Ontario at the 2024 Ontario Engineering Project Awards. The prestigious Willis Chipman Award was given to Egis in recognition for their work on the Highway 21 Bayfield River Bridge Replacement.
The Bayfield River bridge plays a crucial role in the community, serving as a provincial highway, a gateway into the Village of Bayfield, and a part of the regional cycling network. Leveraging our extensive experience in the region, our team demonstrated a profound understanding of local environmental conditions, stakeholder concerns, the importance of minimizing construction time, and the necessity of ensuring steel durability. Egis designed a 70m free-standing bridge with half-through arches, marking the first bridge of this type ever built by the Province of Ontario. Additionally, Egis designed a 112m temporary (modular) bridge located on a temporary roadway diversion, enabling the continued use of Highway 21 by traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians during construction, thereby limiting adverse impacts on local businesses and residents.
The design's sophisticated heavy-lift strategy avoided high-risk in-water work and permanent installations, preserving the aquatic ecosystem and recreational activities while showcasing technical prowess and commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being. With active transportation at the forefront of infrastructure engineering in Ontario, the inclusion of integrated cycling paths and separated sidewalks encourages an active lifestyle, appealing to people of all ages to walk, cycle, and engage with their surroundings. The project's innovative use of thermal arc spray on steel elements enhances durability and reduces maintenance, while a focus on recyclability underscores its commitment to sustainability, leaving a positive impact on the community and the environment.
This iconic arch bridge has become the long-awaited centerpiece for the town, a distinctive and cherished symbol that resonates with everyone. Its role transcends functionality; it becomes a staple and a source of pride for years to come, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the community.
The annual Ontario Engineering Project Awards celebrate excellence within the consulting engineering profession, determined by a jury of independent industry professionals. The Willis Chipman award grants the highest honour. It is awarded to the project that best demonstrates the value and importance of consulting engineering plays to improve the economic, social and environmental quality of life in Ontario.
Click here to watch the video: The Willis Chipman Award – Egis - Highway 21 Bayfield River Bridge Replacement on Vimeo