Jakes Landing Bridge Project at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site

The former floating bridge that spanned the Mersey River at Jake's Landing in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site was damaged beyond repair during Hurricane Fiona on September 14, 2022. The floating bridge was an important pedestrian bridge that connected the campground and Jake's Landing. The objective of this project is to replace the former floating bridge with a permanent bridge structure on the same horizontal alignment. The new structure would be comprised of composite fiber technology (CFT), in line with the Federal Government and Park's Canada broader goal of sustainable development. From hydrological analysis and geotechnical investigations completed to assess subsurface conditions, the preferred bridge concept would consist of a Three-Span Fiber Reinforced Composite Bridge structure with three truss spans. Two 11.3 m Truss Side Spans and one 30.5 m Truss Center Span. After reviewing geotechnical recommendations, access limitations, constructability, and environmental considerations, the recommended substructure solution proposes a bridge founded on two abutments and two piers. The east abutment would consist of spread/strip footings (shallow foundation). Both east and west piers would consist of driven steel pipe piles and the west abutment would be built on traditional screw piles due to the western bank being difficult to access with heavy construction equipment used to drive steel pipe piles. Bridge clearance would be at least 2.2 m (7'2") high for the emergency boat to be able to pass underneath. The construction of this project is estimated to begin in September of 2023 and be completed by April of 2024.

Project Amendment:

An alternative bridge structure is being proposed to the previously anticipated Jakes Landing bridge superstructure. The objective is to build a like-to-like floating bridge structure, nearly identical to the previous floating bridge that was damaged during Hurricane Fiona in the fall of 2022. The floating bridge will be installed in the spring and taken down in the fall each year. It will measure approximately 40 meters in length and consist of eight (8) decking sections plus two (2) ramp sections that will connect to the existent abutments. Additional bridge requirements include sufficient clearance for canoes and kayaks to pass underneath and a more robust connecting system that can potentially expand the life span of the bridge when summited to the many environmental challenges of this location such as strong water currents, heavy wind storms, hurricanes and prolonged flooding episodes.
The existent bridge abutments will be used as they are and will not see any updates. The bridge pontoons (approx. 14) from the previous floating bridge will be maintained and reused. Bridge sections will be constructed inhouse by the Kejimkujik Asset Team, built indoors in the Compound Building and assembled at the boat launch in Jakes Landing. Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) treated lumber will be used to construct the bridge. MCA is a is a copper-based wood preservative used in the pressure treatment of wood products for use in residential applications above ground, in ground contact or in freshwater contact. MCA-treated wood tends to leach less copper than other copper-based wood preservatives, it is less prone to off gassing, and the preservative is known to hold up to the exterior environmental factors much better than other types of treated wood.
The bridge anchoring system will consist of ten (10) 3x3ft concrete blocks placed on the riverbed. Each concrete anchor will be attached to a metal chain that hooks onto a bridge pontoon and secures the bridge in place. The chains allow for the manual vertical adjustment of the bridge depending on water level. The concrete anchors will remain in the same location throughout the year. However, new anchors are typically installed each spring as some can get lost during the bridge installation and/or removal process.

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Latest update

April 4, 2024 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Transport Canada are considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project amendment is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Contacts

Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
P.O. Box 236
Maitland Bridge, Nova Scotia B0T 1B0
Telephone: 902-682-2770
Email: kejimkujik.info@pc.gc.ca


  • Location

    • Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Bridges

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2024-03-05

  • Proponent

    Parks Canada

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Parks Canada Agency
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    85790
Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

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...within 200 kilometres
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