FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2007

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2007 SEASON

North Vancouver, B.C. - Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is now open for the 2007 season after being closed for forest maintenance and repairs due to a heavy snowfall on November 27 that caused a large Douglas Fir to fall onto the bridge.

The tree was removed from the bridge by cutting off two foot sections to gradually relieve some of the pressure on the cables.  A cable and pulley system was hung from nearby trees and the remainder of the tree was lifted and "swung" off the bridge, coming to a rest beside the bridge where it now sits for the public to see.

When the tree fell it was approximately 300 feet tall, but on impact the top 4/5 of the tree broke off.  Visitors can now see the top of the tree on the side of the canyon.  The impact caused the West anchor to shift, however, the cables held strong as they were designed to do.  The anchor on the West side has been repaired by replacing the block of concrete with a new one that weighs 65 imperial tons, which is about 5 times as strong as before. 

"We are excited to be open and to be talking about the winter storms beside our newest exhibit - the Fallen Tree," said bridge spokesperson Sue Kaffka. "It is a fascinating story from so many points of view - engineering, forestry and now it is part of our history."

"As we enter our 118th year of business, this is the longest period that we have ever been closed.  We are looking forward to having guests back in the park again.  We sincerely regret any inconvenience that may have been caused by this closure of the park," said Ms. Kaffka.

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For more information please call:

Stacy Chala
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Capilano Suspension Bridge
604.985.7474
schala@capbridge.com