Deh Cho Bridge, Cable bridge across Mackenzie River in Fort Providence, Canada
The Deh Cho Bridge is a road bridge spanning the Mackenzie River in Fort Providence, stretching across the broad river with several major sections. The structure consists of nine segments supported by eight concrete pillars that use weathering steel, which develops a protective layer over time.
The project took shape in the early 2000s to solve transportation challenges in an isolated region and was built between 2008 and 2012. Its completion marked a turning point, as it created the first permanent crossing where only seasonal passages had existed before.
The bridge connects northern communities throughout the year, replacing the seasonal ferry and ice road system that once controlled how people moved across the river. This shift changed daily life in the region, as travel is now possible anytime without seasonal interruptions.
The bridge is open to all vehicles, though commercial traffic above a certain weight must pay tolls. The best time to cross is during dry weather, and drivers should be prepared for challenging conditions during winter months.
The bridge was built using temporary helper bridges on both riverbanks to keep the construction site accessible. These creative building methods made it possible to complete the work in this remote location where standard logistics would have been impossible.
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