North Hero Bridge

The North Hero – Grand Isle Drawbridge Replacement project revitalized Vermont’s only movable bridge, a 60-year-old twin-leaf bascule structure connecting the Lake Champlain islands. Serving as a critical link for over 3,000 vehicles daily - and double that during peak seasons - the bridge modernization was essential for ensuring safe and efficient transportation for decades to come.  

The new bridge preserves the historic structure’s original design while modernizing the equipment and operations, bringing it into code compliance, improving safety, and reducing the amount of necessary maintenance.  

Panatrol’s Role: Advanced Automation and Control Systems

Panatrol Automation & Controls was entrusted with designing and constructing the bridge’s sophisticated control systems. Their scope of work included:

• Dual-Leaf Bascule Mechanism: Engineered control systems for the synchronized operation of the bridge’s two movable leaves, ensuring precise and reliable movements.

• Backup CPUs: Implemented redundant central processing units to provide seamless failover capabilities, enhancing system reliability and minimizing downtime.

• Peer-to-Peer Communication: Established direct communication between the bridge’s two sides, facilitating real-time data exchange and coordinated operations.

• Wireless Communication Infrastructure: Designed a robust wireless communication system to eliminate the need for submarine cables, reducing both installation complexity and environmental impact.

• Parallel Redundant Protocol (PRP): Deployed PRP architecture over industrial Ethernet to ensure continuous network availability and fault tolerance.

These innovations contributed to the bridge’s enhanced operational efficiency and resilience.

Project Significance

The North Hero – Grand Isle Drawbridge Replacement project exemplifies a successful integration of historic preservation and modern engineering. Panatrol’s advanced automation and control solutions played a pivotal role in achieving a bridge system that is both reliable and future ready.  

Contact us about your next project at panatrol.com/contact-us.

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