Deh Cho Bridge Maintenance Project

Overview

The GNWT is undertaking maintenance on the Deh Cho Bridge to ensure its safety and longevity. This work involves replacing a broken cable and replacing key components, and installing dampers to reduce cable vibrations.

Maintenance is scheduled from November 2024 to February 2025, with the bridge expected to reopen to two-way traffic once all work is complete.

Current Status

  • Cable Work: The broken cable was successfully replaced in December 2024, along with 3 adjusting bars.
  • Replace Damaged Components: Damaged guardrails and lighting equipment caused by the cable failure will be replaced.
  • Install Dampers: Dampers will be installed on all cables to reduce vibration and improve long-term stability.

Next Steps

  1. Complete Cable Connection: Crews will secure the bottom of the replacement cable.
  2. Replace Threaded Bars: All 24 adjustment bars, manufactured in the same batch as the failed one, will be replaced.
  3. Repair Damaged Components: Damaged guardrails and lighting equipment caused by the cable failure will be replaced.
  4. Install Dampers: Dampers will be installed on all cables to reduce vibration and improve long-term stability.

Timeline

  • August 2023: A broken cable was discovered, and safety measures were implemented (one-lane traffic, speed limit reduction). The cause of the cable failure was linked to a metallurgical defect in a threaded bar. Inspections confirmed all 24 adjustment bars were from the same batch, leading to the decision to replace them all.
  •  August 2023 – November 2024: Inspections, analyses, and additional safety measures were completed, with no further defects detected in other cables.
  • November – December 2024: All materials arrived; the broken cable was removed and the new cable installed. 3 of adjustment bars were replaced.
  • January – February 2025: Final work, will include:
    •  Replacing damaged guardrails and lighting.
    • Replacing all remaining adjustment bars as a precaution and re-tension all cables.
    • Installing dampers on the cables to reduce vibration and improve stability.

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