The Canada Line bridge that joins Richmond with Vancouver across the north arm of the Fraser River is a North American first.
Jane Bird, president and CEO of the $2-billion Canada Line project, said the North Arm Bridge had to be low enough for planes to land at YVR’s north runway, but high enough for marine traffic on the Fraser.
“It’s the first extradosed bridge in North America,” said Bird while riding the Canada Line between Waterfront to YVR stations yesterday.
“It’s partly supported from below and partly from above.”
The Golden Ears Bridge, which opened on June 16 and links Maple Ridge and Langley, is billed as North America’s longest extradosed bridge.
The North Arm Bridge is 562 metres in length and includes a pedestrian and cyclist bridge attached to the west side of the guide way.
“I think everyone likes the bridge,” said Bird. “You can see the marine traffic and the mountains.”
