Barra Strait Bridge

Barra Strait Bridge
The Barra Strait Bridge. To its right (with arched spans) is the Grand Narrows Bridge. In the distance is the overpass over the railroad tracks, part of the same Barra Strait Crossing project.
Coordinates45°57′36.59″N 60°47′55.72″W / 45.9601639°N 60.7988111°W / 45.9601639; -60.7988111 (Barra Strait Bridge)
CarriesNova Scotia Route 223
CrossesBras d'Or Lake at the Barra Strait
LocaleCape Breton Island (Iona, Victoria County, Nova ScotiaGrand Narrows, Cape Breton Regional Municipality)
Official nameBarra Strait Crossing
Other name(s)Barra Strait Lift Bridge
OwnerGovernment of Nova Scotia
Maintained byDepartment of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Nova Scotia)
Preceded byGrand Narrows Bridge
Followed bySeal Island Bridge, Little Bras d'Or Bridge
Characteristics
DesignGirder bridge with a bascule lift span
MaterialReinforced concrete deck
Trough constructionSteel
Pier constructionReinforced concrete
Total length541.25 m (1,776 ft)[1]
Longest span110 m (360 ft)
No. of spans7
Piers in water6
Clearance aboveUnlimited vertical clearance
Clearance below9 m (30 ft) (when closed),[2]
Unlimited vertical clearance when open
No. of lanes2
History
DesignerFenco Engineers
(designed 1983-85)
Constructed byPhase two - VanZutphen Brothers Construction Ltd.[1]
Phase three - Maritime Steel and Foundries Ltd. of New Glasgow[3]
Fabrication byMaritime Steel and Foundries Ltd.[3]
Construction start1987
Construction end1993
Construction cost$34,800,000[4]
Opened23 October 1993 (1993-10-23)
ReplacesBarra Strait ferry service
Location
Map

The Barra Strait Bridge is a Canadian road bridge crossing the Barra Strait of Bras d'Or Lake, carrying Nova Scotia Route 223 between Iona, Victoria County, on the West side, and Grand Narrows, Cape Breton County (Cape Breton Regional Municipality) on the east side. The bridge incorporates a double leaf bascule section at its eastern end to permit the continued passage of marine traffic through the strait.

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Second was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference US Sailing Directions was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference construction contract was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Montgomery, Sharon (25 October 1993). "Ferry waits, worry of breakdowns water under new bridge at Iona". Cape Breton Post. Sydney, NS: Cape Breton Post.