Sarens has partnered with Niagara Rigging to handle the transport and installation of eight massive support girders for the new West Tributary Bridge. Each girder, weighing between 163 and 175 tons, was precisely maneuvered into place following a detailed engineering analysis to streamline the process and adapt to the project’s challenges.
The bridge, part of a project to extend Wyecroft Road between Bronte Road and Burloak Drive, will ease traffic congestion in the area. Ready for completion in late 2026, it is designed to accommodate over 4,000 vehicles daily and provide safe access for commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians. Additionally, a water main installation under the bridge will bolster Oakville’s infrastructure, ensuring the city is prepared for growth or emergency needs.
With construction now over 30% complete, the project features a budget of roughly $117 million, supported by over $50 million in funding from the regional government. When finished, the road will include four lanes, multi-use paths, and dedicated bike lanes to serve diverse transportation needs.
Sarens’ involvement has been instrumental, particularly in handling the transport and placement of the bridge’s girders. After loading the girders at the manufacturing site using Kamag K2400S SPMTs configured in two rows of six-axle lines and four rows of 12-axle lines, the team carefully transported them to the western piers. From there, a Liebherr LR1600/2 crane with a 66-meter SDB configuration worked alongside an LTM1500-8.1 crane in TY3 setup to lift and position the girders with precision, while the SPMTs were cleared from the area.
To maintain the highest safety standards, Sarens installed crane pads under the LR1600/2 to ensure stability and even weight distribution on the ground. Special care was taken to keep the rigging and cables vertical at all times, reducing any risk of load oscillations that could endanger operators or infrastructure.
The Wyecroft Road extension project began in 2019 with the approval of funding, though on-site construction activities only commenced in October 2023. Earlier that year, tree clearing took place to prepare the area, but the municipal government pledged to plant three trees for every one removed, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
