Project Overview

The Kentville Ravine is an old-growth hemlock and pine forest with a trail running along Elderkin Brook. Bridge No. 2 was a small reinforced concrete bridge located at the confluence of two brooks whose combined flow during major rain events significantly exceeded the capacity of the bridge opening. The bridge structure had suffered washout behind one of its abutments and significant foundation scour due to a constricted flow channel. Its crumbling foundations were deemed unsafe for traffic and hazardous to the marine life in the stream. 

Development of a cost-effective strategy for bridge decommissioning and stream restoration in the ecologically sensitive Kentville Ravines.

SHM Canada prepared a preliminary, detailed design of the bridge decommissioning process and a preliminary design for a replacement bridge structure. The work required careful assessment of peak flows under a 100-year rainfall event, removal of bridge foundations with very little disturbance to the stream, and remediation measures for stabilization of the stream bed and banks. The method devised by Vidya Limaye for the removal of the bridge foundations minimized disturbance of the stream in this ecologically sensitive area. This method was accepted by regulatory authorities, resulting in significant cost savings for the owner.