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Infrastructure Advancements
MTO moving to new technology
Ontario's Ministry of Transportation (MTO) plans to gradually increase the number of its projects specifying the prefabrication method of bridge construction.
Although prefabricated bridges have been built before in Ontario, in the past this construction method was largely limited to a bridges superstructure, the girders and deck.
The latest generation of prefabricated-bridge systems allows for off-site construction of elements of the superstructure and substructure, including abutments and wingwalls as well as concrete girders and decks.
"In earlier days it would have been certain parts were prefabricated. Now, everything is prefabricated and put together at the site as a complete unit," said Dr. BaIa Tharmabala, manager of the MTO's bridge office, located in St. Catharines.
In 2004, one prefabricated bridge was built in Ontario for the MTO, at Moose Creek on Highway 101 about 10 kilometres south of Timmins.
During the 2005 roadbuilding season, two more MTO contracts are for prefabricated bridges.
One is already under construction in the Thunder Bay area and the second is planned for the central region of Ontario.
"The ministry is trying to move more and more into préfabrication.
"As we are progressing we are gaining...