For 70 years or more, a dependable modular Bailey Bridge provided reliable access to the hydroelectric dam in Seebe, Alberta, located at the confluence of the Kananaskis and Bow Rivers. At the end of its service life, it was a logical decision to replace the old structure with a more modern equivalent, and a modular steel Acrow 700XS® was selected for the project.

The dam is one of several in the area owned and operated by TransAlta, one of Canada’s largest producers of wind power, and Alberta’s largest producer of hydroelectric power. TransAlta’s hydroelectric plants primarily provide electricity during periods of peak electrical demand and ensure system stability. They are also used to balance out shortages due to unexpected outages.

The single-lane 700XS® bridge, purchased by project contractor CWP Constructors Ltd is 180 feet (54.86m) long and 13.78 feet (4.2m) wide with a timber deck and TL-4 guide rails. Installed using a crane-assisted launch method, the extra-heavy triple-single truss was designed to CL700 loading to accommodate heavy maintenance vehicles and future hydroelectric generator transformer replacement. Construction began in the fall of 2022 and completed in winter 2023. Acrow’s solution was an alternative bid from the original specification, which resulted in significant cost-savings on the project.

Like all of Acrow’s cost-effective solutions, the bridge in Seebe is designed for a service life of up to 100 years, virtually maintenance free. In addition to providing safe and reliable access to the hydroelectric plant, the bridge is also used by the local First Nation to access their land.