Highway 2 Bridge over Peace River at Dunvegan, Alberta - An Integrated Work Zone and Road Condition Solution

This paper outlines one aspect of how Alberta Transportation (AT) approached the construction and continuing maintenance dilemma for the Highway 2 Bridge over the Peace River at Dunvegan, Alberta. A two year construction project to replace the deck on the 750 meter long Dunvegan suspension bridge will begin in spring of 2008. The work zone includes a four kilometer, steep slope approach which is a regular route for heavily loaded resource trucks carrying timber, and oil, and gas production equipment. In addition to the steep slope, the traffic, which includes frequent oversize trucks, will be reduced to a single lane during construction for crossing the structure. To accommodate the work zone, warning signs need to be provided at the top of each slope and traffic control is needed on each approach adjacent to the bridge. As part of the bridge rehabilitation contract, AT reviewed a range of alternative winter countermeasures including: Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) / video cameras, Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) and Fixed Automated Anti-icing Spray Technology (FAAST). An on-site RWIS activated Traveller Information System involving DMS and video cameras was ultimately selected for deployment at the site.