A major bridge reconstruction is underway in Brantford, Ontario, where the Brant’s Crossing bridge is being replaced following structural damage from a 2018 ice jam flood. The project is jointly funded by the City of Brantford and the Government of Canada, aiming to restore a vital pedestrian and cycling link across the Grand River.
The first significant milestone came with the installation of the initial span, an operation carried out by heavy lift specialist Mammoet. For the task, Mammoet mobilized one of North America’s largest crawler cranes, the Tadano CC38.650. The crane, which stands over 185 feet tall, arrived on more than 40 flatbed trucks and required five days of assembly before it was ready to operate.
Bridge with a Long History
Originally constructed in 1875, the bridge was last rebuilt in 1913. It served as a rail crossing for decades before transitioning into a pedestrian and cycling pathway. The 2018 flood damage left the structure compromised, prompting the decision to replace it with a new design that prioritizes resilience and accessibility.
Raising Standards for Safety and Sustainability
The new bridge will be elevated by at least 1.1 meters to provide improved flood protection. Design plans include the use of sustainable materials, widened paths to accommodate growing pedestrian and cyclist traffic, and dedicated lookouts offering views of the Grand River.
The project highlights the logistical demands of modern infrastructure work, particularly the transport and assembly of heavy lift equipment such as the CC38.650 crawler crane. For professionals in construction, logistics, and project cargo, the operation underscores the critical role of engineered transport solutions in enabling large-scale civil projects.
