Blair Creek Bridge Replacement

Overview

Great Northern Bridgeworks (GNB) is proud to announce the successful completion of the Blair Creek Bridge Replacement along Mile 132 of the Alaska Highway. Delivered in partnership with Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL), this project reinforces a critical industry route, ensuring safe and reliable access for industrial operations and community users.

Project Details

Client: Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL)

Location: Blair Creek, Mile 132, Alaska Highway

Completion: June 2025

Delivery: 7 days ahead of schedule and under budget

The Challange

The original 60-foot bridge was situated on an unstable approach and needed replacing to meet safety and operational requirements. With erosion issues and increasing demand from industry traffic, a more stable and durable solution was needed, one that could be constructed efficiently while maintaining continuous access.

Key Challanges

Working on this high-traffic section of the Alaska Highway, a crucial oilfield access route, presented Key Challenges We Overcame

Erosion-Prone Approach

The site required careful stabilization with 16’ driven piling and slope reinforcement with riprap to support a new, improved, and durable permanent structure.

Remote and Weather-Affected Location

Frequent rain and wind created muddy, shifting ground that required precise equipment use and scheduling.

Continuous Industry Access

Although not a major highway, this road is essential for ongoing oilfield and industry activity, making reliable detour planning crucial.

Our Solution

GNB replaced the aging 60 foot bridge with a 120-foot steel and precast concrete bridge, supported by 16″ driven pile foundations and riprap to provide long-term ground stability. Our approach prioritized safety, durability, and minimal disruption to road users.

To keep the route open during construction, we:

• Constructed a dedicated pedestrian bridge for safe worker access
• Installed a 200-foot temporary detour bridge to support consistent vehicle movement

Technical Highlights

• 120-foot steel and precast permanent concrete bridge for long-term reliability
• 200-foot temporary detour bridge enabled uninterrupted access
• 16″ driven piles provided foundational stability
• Rip rap protection-controlled erosion and safeguarded slopes
• Temporary Pedestrian bridge maintained safe site access during all phases
• Efficient installation- Instead of relying on cranes, GNB utilized its method of dual winch trucks and excavators to install bridge components safely and efficiently, a proven approach that reflects our commitment to control, safety, efficiency, and precision.

Lasting Impact

This replacement project delivers more than a new crossing, it enhances the long-term safety and reliability of an important access route for oilfield and industry crews. By replacing an aging structure with a modern, engineered solution, GNB has:

• Delivered resilient infrastructure suited to the environmental and operational challenges of the region
• Improved operational safety for vehicles and personnel
• Reduced future maintenance costs and downtime

Conclusion

The Blair Creek Bridge project showcases GNB’s ability to combine technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and a strong commitment to safety and stability. Whether building in remote areas or overcoming terrain challenges, we bring dependable solutions that last.

To learn more about our bridge and piling work, contact us here or explore more of our infrastructure projects.