Friday, March 21, 2025
The City of Red Deer announced that construction has begun to fully rehabilitate the aging infrastructure of the historic CPR bridge.
Since January 2023, the CPR Bridge rehabilitation project has been progressing, with City crews and contractors conducting environmental and structural investigations, site preparation and design work. Now the next phase of construction is set to begin, which will result in an extended bridge closure and trail detours.
“We are excited to be moving forward with this essential rehabilitation project,” said Greg Sikora, Parks and Public Works Manager. “The CPR Pedestrian Bridge is an iconic landmark in our city, and this project will preserve its historical significance while enhancing safety and accessibility for our community.”
Faced with aging infrastructure and deteriorating components, The City chose to pursue restoration rather than demolition.
“We had to assess the value of the bridge from a historical perspective as well as its important connection to our Waskasoo trail system,” said Sikora. “Ultimately, with the help of the federal government, we were able to restore and preserve it for future generations, rather than demolish it at significant cost and serving no benefit to our community.”
Graham was awarded the CPR Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation project.
As the General Contractor for this bridge rehabilitation, Graham will oversee construction, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025 and is expected to be completed by August 2026.
The Government of Canada is contributing $11.1 million to the bridge project, with the city providing an additional $11.2 million.
Over the next year and a half, construction milestones will include:
- Reconstruction of the timber trestle
- Replacement of concrete foundations
- Repair and replacement of corroded steel truss elements
- Repainting of steel trusses
- Replacement of the timber deck with a new durable concrete surface
- Upgrades to pedestrian-level lighting on and approaching the bridge
- Public realm improvements
Originally constructed in 1908 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the bridge served as a railway crossing until 1990, when the rail line was relocated out of downtown. Thanks to dedicated community members who advocated for its preservation, the bridge was saved from demolition and repurposed as an active transportation structure. Recognizing its historical significance, City Council designated the bridge a Municipal Historic Resource in 1991.
Featured image: (Graham)
