February 12, 2011

Starting the week of February 14, construction crews will start foundation work at the Keith Bridge. Work will alternate between the southeast and southwest sides of the bridge foundation, with cofferdams being installed as the first step in building new bridge structural supports.

What is a cofferdam and how is it installed?

A cofferdam is a temporary structure used to divide water from land for the purpose of building a structure, such as a bridge. At the Keith Bridge, cofferdams will be built using a technique called sheet piling. Thin sheets of steel are driven into the ground, approximately five metres deep, using a vibrating hammer and crane.

How long will this work take?

Work will be done in stages on the southeast and southwest sides. Alternating over the next 6-8 weeks, sheet piling and piling bridge foundation posts in place will occur.

What can I expect to see and hear?

• General construction will occur between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. from Monday – Friday.
• Since sheet piling and piling bridge posts will cause some noise and vibration, this work is restricted to the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Noise and vibration monitoring will be conducted to ensure levels are kept within provincial standards and Newmarket’s noise bylaws.

Will there be other impacts to the area?

There may be short-term disruptions to traffic when equipment is being delivered. In these cases, there will be a flag person on site to direct drivers and pedestrians.

When work is closer to the bridge and sidewalk, the south side of Davis Drive will have temporary sidewalk closures and a detour to the north side.

For more information visit vivanext.com/davisdrive, or contact Andrea Witty, your Community Liaison.