b'PROJECT PROFILEcrossover wasnt easy. Understandably, accessibility demands a proper slope of the ramps, clearances and turning radius. But the site location and its alignment had already been established from the previous construction, and some steel piles were installed. The areas where the two ends land werent going to change, so we had to work within those constraints.The solution required thinking a little outside the box. We had to get a little creative with fitting the landings into the Central Green and Bertram Street sides to achieve the project designtraditional pile systems. With existingsoil through ground improvement, requirements, Weal explains. Andbuildings in place next to the site, wewhich speaks to the environmental and when youre doing something like thishad to think about ways to densifysustainability aspects of the project.with high visibilityit spans the mainthe soil to support the weight of the east-west route into and out of the citystructure in the least invasive wayCollaboratively, we simplified theaesthetics are always a consideration.possible, Weal says. We brought in abridge design by selecting a through-The handrails, for examplea lotcontractor who specialized in groundgirder bridge, Weal continues. On the of thought went into their formimprovementMenard Canadaandsurface, that design appeared more plain, and function. they used the stone column techniquebecause its just simply two girders on on the north side rather than using largeeither side with less aesthetic value. But Another unique feature on the projectamounts of steel piles. The piers are stillother structural and cosmetic features was ground improvementa methodsupported by steel, but the concretewere added to enhance the visual of densifying soil as a replacement forramp structure is supported by densifiedappeal. For example, the addition of the picketed handrail system with a varying degree of height and which interacts with both sides of the bridge was used. That varies depending on the adjacent neighbourhood spaces. As well as the inclusion of exterior feature lightingthe bridge lights up every night at 9 p.m. until the early morning hours and features a dozen programmed scenes that represent various seasons and holidays. ACTIVE TRANSPORTATIONThe bridges grand opening took place on June 6 of this year. Local residents were invited to the overpasss inaugural crossing, and over 100 people showed up to walk (or roll) their way across the new pathway.The overpass will connect the expanding neighbourhoods on the south side of Highway 97 to the downtown and, eventually, to the broader active transportation network, Bushell concludes. It will enhance access to parks, workplaces, transit options, businesses, services and amenities for individuals residing and working on both sides of the highway. This project, like all complicated projects, had its challengesbut in the end, its certainly something Kelowna can be proud of.Photo courtesy of Distill Media.SICA CONSTRUCTION REVIEWFall 202523'