News

2007-08-03 -- 2007 Peace Bridge Inspection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 3, 2007
For further information contact: Ron Rienas, General Manager
716-884-6744 / 905-871-1608 extension 226

(BUFFALO, NY/FORT ERIE, ON) In light of the tragic Minneapolis bridge collapse the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (PBA) today released its bridge inspection practices and the key findings of its May 2007 inspection report.

"We are pleased to advise that the Peace Bridge is safe and functioning as originally designed, 80 years after it was built" said Anthony Annunziata, Chairman of the PBA. "This is large part due to good, aggressive maintenance practices."

The key findings of the 2007 inspection report stated as follows:

"The structural condition of the Peace Bridge is generally good. The condition rating of the bridge based on federal guidelines is "Satisfactory" ... No yellow or red flags were issued as a result of the 2007 inspection findings...The Peace Bridge's primary structural steel members and reinforced concrete substructures are functioning as intended in the original design. The load carrying capacity of the bridge is adequate for the current design loads"

The overall results of the inspection indicate that the bridge will be capable of safely carrying loads, with periodic maintenance and timely painting, for many years...

The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Sufficiency Rating for the Peace Bridge...Note that out of a possible 55% for Structural Adequacy and Safety, the Peace Bridge received 55% with no points deducted"

"The Peace Bridge conducts a detailed annual inspection even though the state requirement is every two years" said Ron Rienas, General Manager. "Further we use a third party independent engineering firm not associated with our engineer of record and our policy requires we evaluate this firm through a public procurement process at least every five (5) years. The advantage is having the bridge looked at by a fresh set of eyes."

"The PBA also uses liquid de-icer as opposed to rock salt to de-ice the bridge during the winter months, thereby minimizing corrosion" said Anthony Braunscheidel, Facilities Manager. "This coupled with a maintenance work program that last year saw all the joints replaced, and prior to that the replacement of bearings and pier rehabilitation, has resulted in a bridge that is in remarkable condition for its age."

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, a binational bridge authority, has owned and operated the Peace Bridge since 1933. The bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, and is a key international border crossing. The Authority is governed by a 10 member board with an equal number of representatives from Canada and the United States.

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Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority
1 Peace Bridge Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14213-2494
100 Queen Street, Fort Erie, ON L2A 3S6
Phone: 905-871-1608 or 716-884-6744
Fax: 716-884-2089 or 905-871-9940