Calgary’s 9 Avenue S.E. bridge reaches completion

CALGARY — The City of Calgary has announced the new 9 Avenue S.E. bridge which leads into the communities of East Village and Inglewood is now complete.

The bridge opened for vehicle traffic in February 2022 while work continued on the structure’s two multi-use pathways.

“Bridge projects of this type and scale have very unique challenges and opportunities, which makes achieving this milestone all the more rewarding for the entire team. We are incredibly grateful and would not be here today without the continued support and patience of the community, citizens and area businesses throughout this project,” said project manager Evan Fer in a statement.

The City of Calgary began removal and replacement of the original 110-year-old Inglewood Bridge in 2019 through a funding partnership between the City of Calgary and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC).

“With a design inspired by the original structure, the new 9 Avenue bridge boasts an iconic form built to modern engineering standards, while providing improved flood resiliency, lower maintenance costs and enhanced cycling and walking connections,” a City of Calgary release stated.

“The new 9 Avenue S.E. bridge is a critical community connection. It will serve as an important link between Inglewood and Ramsay and the emerging Culture + Entertainment District, which is home to the expanding BMO Centre, the Saddledome and countless amenities and experiences on Stampede Park,” explained CMLC president and CEO Kate Thompson.

A temporary bridge that maintained traffic connections over the Elbow River during construction was removed in April 2022 when two traffic lanes opened on the new bridge. Two additional lanes are scheduled to open in July 2022. The original Inglewood goose sign that was on the original 9 Avenue bridge will be installed in Inglewood’s Sculpture Park this summer.

Funding for the $25.1 million project was provided through a $5.24 million Government of Alberta Community Resiliency Program grant, a $7 million contribution from CMLC and funding from the City of Calgary.