Solutions to snow and ice buildup on Port Mann Bridge cables

Engineers working on the Port Mann/Highway 1 project have identified solutions to prevent snow and ice buildup on the Port Mann Bridge cables.

A custom-designed cable sweeper has been developed that will be fitted around the bridge cables and used to remove snow and ice before it can accumulate. In addition, engineers have identified highly water repellent, or hydrophobic, coatings and de-icing sprays that could be applied to the bridge cables to further prevent the accumulation of snow and ice.

The sweeper fits around the outside of the bridge cable and is lowered and raised along its length using a specially-designed winch, while scrapers and brushes on the sweeper remove snow and ice buildup. Fabrication of the sweepers is now underway and installation and additional testing will begin this week. The sweepers will be installed on the 152 bridge cables that cross the roadway.

To complement the cable sweepers, four types of hydrophobic coatings are now being tested to confirm which may perform best on the Port Mann Bridge cables. Tests will be conducted on the bridge, as well as in a specialized laboratory where specific and severe weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind and precipitation, can be recreated.

In addition, engineers have identified a de-icing solution that can be applied to the bridge cables as a further preventative measure. Similar to de-icing applications on aircraft, the solution would be sprayed onto the bridge cables. The environmentally friendly product, which is also used to de-ice ships, forms a barrier that prevents the formation of ice.

The government of B.C., Transportation Investment Corporation and Kiewit/Flatiron are confident that this combination of solutions will prevent the accumulation of snow and ice on the bridge cables.

Photo: @shearbear4