Innovative Civil Constructors wanted to work on the frozen MacKay River to install girders for a new bridge, using the river ice cover as a construction platform to reduce construction costs. NHC first evaluated the climate and freeze-up characteristics at the site and determined that this was feasible. NHC then carried out testing to determine the structural characteristics of the ice and specified the ice thickness and area required to safely support the large crane used to place the bridge girders onto the piers. Our unique ice testing and design procedures allow us to specify ice thicknesses that are both safe and practical.