Revitalizing the Historic Mira Gut Bridge
In the heart of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, a vital connection had rusted away, causing a major divide in the community. The Mira Gut Bridge, a historic gem spanning over a century, had fallen into disrepair. It had been five years since the last bridge stood tall and strong, and in its absence, the community had been divided, causing frustration and inconvenience. The old bridge, a steadfast companion, had served its purpose for more than a hundred years before rust took over the superstructure. With a vision of unity, Algonquin Bridge embarked on a monumental project—a bridge rebirth. A budget of $6 million dollars was allocated to construct a new crossway and bring the Cape Breton community back together.
For the revitalization of the Mira Gut Bridge, there was a resounding choice that made all the difference—hot-dip galvanizing. It was the obvious choice for its aesthetics, durability, sustainability, turnaround time, corrosion performance and life-cycle cost. Aligning perfectly with the customer’s vision of creating a viaduct that would stand the test of time, a partnership between the customer and galvanizer produced a streamlined project from start to finish.
More than just being functional, the aesthetics were an integral part of the overall project. Hot-dip galvanizing not only offered superior corrosion protection, but also a pristine, matte finish that enhanced the special features of the bridge. As a symbol of strength and unity in the community, the galvanizing was visually striking for those passing by.
In addition to being visually appealing, hot-dip galvanizing also ensured the structure would be resilient against corrosion, extending its life and reducing the need for costly maintenance. Repairs over the life of the structure would cost the project owners valuable money along with causing more disruption for community members during commutes. Moreover, the rapid turnaround time of galvanizing played a crucial role in expediting the construction process and opening the bridge to the public.
Valmont – Pure Metal Galvanizing was able to meet these strict turnaround times and deadlines for the project, ensuring the customer received a quality product that would stand for nearly 100 years or more with minimal maintenance. The communication between the customer and Pure Metal Galvanizing was a pivotal part of the efficiency and installation of the bridge from start to finish.