The John Street pedestrian bridge has created a passageway over a busy rail line that used to divide two Toronto neighbourhoods. As a gateway to a revitalized part of the city, it had to be both functional and also pleasing to the eye.
The seemingly simple design presented interesting challenges throughout the fabrication and detailing process. Evolving engineering requirements necessitated additional strength and safety testing and adjustment to weld requirements.
We created test joints in which two tubes were welded together on an angle creating an egg-shaped weld. We would test for voids by cutting the weld in half – this type of testing helped determine the optimal joint angle for strength, durability and safety.
Installation took place overnight, lifting the bridge by crane over the tracks and lowering it into place. Each side was shipped assembled. This required oversized loads that limited when components could leave Princeton and enter Toronto.