For its part, Tomcat delivered two new curved bridges to be used as replacements for the bridges originally created for the show. These new pieces were specifically designed to be smaller and lighter. With the pre-existing bridges weighing in at approximately 1,200 lbs a piece, the goal of the new design was to cut the size by 25% and weight by 50%.
To achieve this Tomcat designed a lightweight aluminium frame and then covered it with an aluminium skin, similar to what can be found on an aircraft wing. For additional strength the centre of the structure was injected with marine-expanding foam to fill all empty voids.
After the redesign, the bridges measure 24' long and 8' at the widest point and 1' wide at the narrow end and were built in two sections. The centre connection had special design considerations so as to not interfere with the performers that slide down the bridge.
After their completion, the two bridges were sent to Cirque du Soleil headquarters in Montreal where final scenic painting was completed before the pieces were added to the scenic elements of the tour currently on the road.
(Chris Henry)
