FRPD is Canada’s largest dredging, marine and heavy civil construction contractor, with over a century of industry leadership.

Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge: In-River Piers & Support Works

FRPD was the dedicated marine works subcontractor to the Fraser Crossing Constructors General Partnership for the construction of the new Stal̕əw̓asəm Bridge, a major transportation upgrade connecting Surrey and New Westminster. The project required complex in-river piling, access structures and foundation systems to support the new four-lane crossing.

Problem

The aging Stal̕əw̓asəm (Pattullo) Bridge required full replacement to improve safety, traffic flow and seismic performance. Building new in-river piers demanded large-diameter piles, heavy marine access structures, and strict environmental controls—especially relating to underwater noise.

Solution

FRPD delivered all marine construction components for the in-river foundations of the new bridge. Crews installed large-diameter piles, constructed access trestles, placed scour protection and built stone column ground improvements on both shores. FRPD also installed large diameter land piles to support the bridge approach spans and marine support for the demolition of the existing Pattullo Bridge.

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Key Facts
  • Installed 27 piles (2500-mm diameter and up to 80 m long) for the S1 Pier and 15 piles (2500-mm diameter and 50–70 m long) for the N1 Pier
  • Constructed 200-m south access trestle and 30-m north access trestle for heavy equipment and materials
  • Installed scour protection and 200+ stone columns on the south shore
  • Installed scour protection and precast components for the N1 pier cap
  • Installed precast components for the S1 pier cap

FRPD coordinated with the owner, contractor and agencies to meet extremely strict underwater noise regulations, successfully mitigating impacts during pile installation. Crews worked 24/7 through in-water work windows for more than a year to maintain the project’s critical path. FRPD also performed the majority of land based pile installation, provided hydrographic survey services to monitor scour during construction, and provided marine support for the demolition of the bridge.