Malcomson

This morning a ninety-tonne chunk of concrete and reinforced steel fell into the Fraser River as it was being guided into place on the platform of the new Port Mann Bridge. Such accidents speak to the dangers and expenses of high-altitude construction like large-scale bridge building. When crossing major bridges here in Canada and other parts of the world, I never cease to be amazed at the incredible engineering involved in such massive constructions. No wonder these engineers and tradespeople get paid the big bucks, especially those involved in underwater welding. Every time I drive across the Iron Workers’ Memorial, I remember what can go terribly wrong when mistakes in design or production are made. Apparently, Canada has a less than illustrious history when it comes to building bridges that withstand the forces of time.