Tatham Engineering was retained by the Town of Hanover to complete a Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) and detailed design for the replacement of three pedestrian bridges and the rehabilitation of a fourth, all located sequentially along the community’s multi-use trail system. Our scope also included full construction-phase services.

With limited access along the narrow trail corridor, careful staging was required to maintain progress. Temporary bypass routes were developed to allow continued access to higher trail sections during active construction at lower trail sites, with watercourse protection measures in place to safeguard the surrounding environment. Construction sequencing was optimized to complete rehabilitation of the third bridge in time to permit access to the fourth site.

One of the most distinctive elements of the project was the rehabilitation of Bridge 4 — a steel pony truss. Due to site constraints and environmental considerations, the truss could not be removed or temporarily relocated. Instead, it was lifted and held in place on jacks while new concrete piers were constructed beneath it. Once complete, the bridge was carefully lowered onto its new supports.

Completed ahead of schedule, the project has restored a key recreational link for the Town of Hanover, enhancing accessibility and preserving the natural beauty of the corridor for future generations.