Edmonton pedestrian bridge opens ahead of schedule

EDMONTON – The Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge in Edmonton, Alta. is now officially open on budget and ahead of schedule.

The bridge is located along 23 Avenue and is a link in the city’s River Valley trail network crossing over Whitemud Creek with access to the MacTaggart and Larch Sanctuaries.

The $6.3 million project involved replacing a more than 100-year-old bridge with a new structure that meets structural and safety standards and is installed higher from the ground to improve flood resilience while allowing moose or deer to walk under the bridge.

“The Smith Crossing bridge is a beloved destination for many Edmontonians and provides an important link to the beautiful trails around Whitemud Creek. The new structure is a tied arch bridge with a slender, open design that helps it fit within the natural area. It will provide a safe connection to the surrounding trails for many decades to come,” said City of Edmonton transportation, infrastructure and delivery director Sam El Mothar.

Built in 1914, the original Smith Crossing Bridge was named after the Smith family, who were pioneers in the area. It was a vehicle bridge until 1961 when it was changed to a pedestrian bridge. A piece of the old bridge has been used in a new interpretive plaque near the bridge, the release said.