W.T. Finlay Bridge Rehabilitation by Certified Coating Specialists (CCS)

Landmark Bridge under construction

August 6, 2009 Burnaby, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc. (CCS) has begun the deck and paint rehabilitation on the W.T. Finlay Bridge in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, a town of 61,000 citizens. Located at the junction of Highways 1 and 3, it is the most south‐eastern city in Alberta, and is within easy driving distance of both the Saskatchewan and US borders. The Finlay Bridge was part of the original Trans Canada Highway, and remains the support structure for the main Shaw Cross Canada fibre optic cable.

CCS’s Lead Abatement program will entail complete contained blasting using recycled steel grit abrasive blasting technology to clean and prepare the bridge for its new coating. The historic two lane monument will be coated with International Paint’s, zinc, epoxy, urethane system. CCS strives to minimize the environmental impact associated with the application of coatings in all of their jobs by implementing their Environmental Stewardship Policy within their Quality Control Program. “We have a commitment to our clients and to the environment” says Steve Boyle, CCS Project Manager. He adds, “We always provide each client with quality workmanship delivered in an environmentally safe and efficient manner.”

In 1905, Medicine Hat’s first representative in the new Alberta Legislature, William Thomas (W.T.) Finlay, made the promise that if a bridge could be procured for the people of Medicine Hat he would get it built. At the very first Executive Council meeting of the newly created Government of Alberta, Finlay began to advocate for the bridge, and despite opposition to its $140,000 price tag, he did not stop until construction began.

The bridge is now more than 100 years old, and without significant investment the service level of the bridge will continue to deteriorate, and became unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians. Over the years the bridge has been modified to accept trolley buses, which are no longer used in Medicine Hat, and has subsequently been de-rated to a 15 tonne load limit. The last significant work done to the bridge was in 1976. In order for Finlay Bridge to remain in service beyond 2040, the following rehabilitation measures were deemed necessary:

  • Deck replacement (asphalt and timber) as the current deck has passed its serviceable life,
  • Painting to prevent further structural degradation of the steel on the bridge,
  • Replacement of the sidewalk concrete panels,
  • Replacement of the bridge guardrails with galvanized steel rails,
  • And, blasting, powder coating and installation of metal mesh on the handrail lattice panels.

“The community has been supportive of the upgrade,” says Boyle, “…and although traffic has been disrupted with detours, everything is running smoothly.” CCS has been under way with the construction since the 23rd of June, with the rehabilitation expected to be complete in October.

Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) area of expertise is corrosion prevention and aesthetic enhancement of corporate assets through the rehabilitation of coating systems. Through the continual advancement, certification and accreditation within this area, CCS has emerged as the major player in lead abatement for all coating removal requirements. CCS is committed to providing the resources, education, training and daily reinforcement to empower everyone CCS employs to meet the goal of exceeding customer expectations. www.ccscoatings.ca