Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority Peace Bridge Coatings Evaluation, Design, and Inspection

Upon its opening, Buffalo and Fort Erie became primary entry points for each other’s countries, and the Peace Bridge remains a crucial commercial link with thousands of trucks crossing daily. As one of the busiest crossings on the Canada–United States border, the Peace Bridge sees over a million trucks annually, sometimes experiencing hours-long delays.

Managed by the binational Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, the Peace Bridge has five arched spans over the Niagara River and a Parker deck-type truss span over the Black Rock Canal. The bridge stretches 5,800 feet and was constructed using 3,500 feet of steelwork, 9,000 tons of structural steel, and 800 tons of reinforcing steel. The existing coating system had been in place for over 20 years. Lead based paint was removed during an earlier repainting project in the 1990s.

GPI was contracted to supply a detailed evaluation and subsequent inspection services for the complete repainting of the Peace Bridge. They began by assessing its condition to determine the best approach and specifications for a new coating system, aiming for a 25-year service life. Considering environmental concerns, proximity to Buffalo residents, and the international significance of the project, GPI developed thorough health, safety, and environmental specifications. Despite previous removal of lead-based paint, GPI implemented an air monitoring program. Multiple air monitoring systems and a comprehensive containment system were installed. Given the bridge’s structural limitations, a detailed finite element model was used to withstand wind forces. Staging plans were devised, and a protocol for managing forecasted weather events was engineered. A dismantling plan was created based on predicted wind speeds, with sections removed as needed. Design elements adhered to standards from both the United States and Canada. GPI remained onsite to oversee work quality, collaborating closely with the painting contractor and client to tackle any challenges that arose.