Rehabilitation and Superstructure Replacement of the Miles Canyon Timber Suspension Bridge

The Miles Canyon suspension bridge is a 40 m long historic wooden suspension pedestrian bridge across the Yukon River near Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The bridge is owned and maintained by the Government of Yukon (GY). The bridge forms an important link in the local trail system and is important for tourism access to some of the historic sites of the Klondike Gold Rush. Non-destructive testing in winter 2015 revealed advanced decay in many members, necessitating full superstructure replacement. A temporary rehabilitation was performed to allow the bridge to temporarily reopen for the summer 2016 tourist season, with a full superstructure replacement in fall 2016. Replacement timber members were carefully selected, detailed, and prefabricated, giving the rehabilitated structure an extended lease on life with proper upkeep and maintenance. Construction of both phases of the work were completed on time and on budget.