The Buzz
LATITUDE
TWO BRIDGES — PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES
AN OVERARCHING CONCERN The new Walterdale Bridge boasts a dramatic 21st-century design, overshadowing its predecessor in more ways than one.
It was a striking picture, albeit one that Edmontonians had to watch develop over four-plus years instead of two-plus years. A new, dramatic-looking bridge arose beside an old, much smaller, and far less modern one. They spanned the North Saskatchewan River, side by side near the city’s downtown, representing different transportation needs, different esthetic sensibilities, and different times. Half that picture has disappeared. After the opening of the new Walterdale Bridge in September, crews began systematically dismantling its predecessor, a century-old truss bridge with a steel grating deck and plenty of history. Built in 1913, the old Walterdale Bridge was named after John Walter, a settler who’d operated a ferry service at about the same location. The bridge ended up serving Edmonton for 104 years, as the provincial capital grew from a prairie outpost of fewer than 70,000 people to a metropolis of about 900,000. So, now what? The city is considering preserving portions of the old structure, like its historic plaque, steel posts, railing grating, trusses, and box beams. Because of their nostalgic appeal, the materials could
be repurposed in many a variety of ways. Among the ideas being circulated are public art, a river valley lookout, and landscaping features in various parks. There’s no hard-and-fast salvaging plan in place yet — public consultation will happen first. The new bridge, meanwhile, has a shorter past. But it’s somewhat storied. Construction began in early 2013 and was supposed to be wrap up in late 2015. More than two years late, the opening took place in two stages in September 2017. Late shipments and uncooperative weather were the culprits, but the $155-million bridge did come in on budget. The new bridge features dramatic, 58-metre- high arches that span 206 metres across the river, supported by thrust blocks on both banks. That means in-water support beams are not necessary. Permit Holders
involved in the project include DIALOG, ISL Engineering and Land Services, and Buckland & Taylor.
WATCH TIME LAPSE OF BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
32 | PEG WINTER 2017
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