Deck replacement for the St. Andrews Lock & Dam restores this national treasure

Constructed over a century ago on the Red River between Winnipeg and Lake Winnipeg, the St. Andrews Lock and Dam is the only remaining Caméré moveable dam in the world. In 1990, it was declared a Canadian National Historic Site. Later, the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering recognized the structure as a National Historic Civil Engineering Site.

The location holds significant meaning to the local Indigenous Peoples and is known as Kenosewun, derived from a Cree word meaning “there are many fishes”. The Lockport area is located within Treaty One territory, the homeland of the Red River Métis, and near the former location of St. Peter’s Band Reserve (a predecessor to Peguis First Nation). For residents of the nearby Town of Lockport, the St. Andrews Lock and Dam is a major tourist attraction and a vital highway transportation link.

Following an inspection that concluded the main span of the bridge deck had to be replaced, Public Services and Procurement Canada retained Associated Engineering to complete the work, with a requirement to retain the structure's historical integrity. Our multi-disciplinary team comprised structural, civil, transportation planning, electrical, geotechnical, and hydrotechnical engineering disciplines, as well as environmental experts, archaeologists, heritage architects, metallurgical specialists, and cost consultants.

We also engaged with many interested stakeholders, including Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government agencies, Indigenous Rights Holders, environmentalists, heritage organizations, and the citizens and businesses of Lockport and Rural Municipalities of St. Andrews and St. Clements.

The work took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions that prevented in-person meetings and collaboration, which made relationship-building more challenging

The upgrades included broadening and strengthening the structure's bridge surface, which can now accommodate heavier vehicles. Project Manager, Stephen Chiasson, tells us, "The structural and technical complexity of the project was unique. We needed to analyze the existing structure, considering material properties from a century ago, and how the structure was configured. This understanding was key to developing an appropriate design to rehabilitate, strengthen, and widen the structure." The bridge also had to remain open throughout the multi-year construction phase for commercial, residential, and pedestrian traffic.

Associated Engineering played a key role in identifying environmental concerns that had not been included in the original scope. For example, the St. Andrews Lock and Dam is the nesting site of threatened bird species. The project team decided to net the key features of the structure known for nesting, which was a major and complex undertaking, and built alternate breeding structures.

After a significant archaeological discovery - the burial grounds of Indigenous ancestors, Associated Engineering brought in an archaeologist with expertise in the significance of the area, who was highly respected by the Indigenous Rights Holders. The project team supported the Federal government in developing a solution in the spirit of collaboration, transparency, and reconciliation.

"Significant improvements were made to safeguard cyclists and pedestrians, including people with disabilities. The railings to assist the visually impaired were developed in consultation with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind."

Despite the project's complexity, the work was completed on time and on budget. Throughout the project, the team addressed concerns about bridge closures, environmental impacts, damage to heritage property, and many other issues. Virtual town hall meetings and education initiatives kept the public well informed.

It is estimated that the rehabilitation extends the life of the St. Andrews Lock and Dam another 50 years.

In 2024, the St. Andrews Lock and Dam project was recognized with a Team Achievement Award by Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, as well as an Award of Merit by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Manitoba.