Cross the creek and enjoy nature’s endless beauty. Celebrating its early completion, the new Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge is open to the public, perfectly timed for capturing the essence of autumn in your fall photographs.
Edmonton is known for its river valley, but equally noteworthy are the trails tucked within our city’s creek system. For more than a century, the Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge has provided access to a significant part of our urban parkland: the MacTaggart and Larch Sanctuaries.
The Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge replacement project involved replacing the old bridge with a new bridge that meets current structural and safety standards.
Access to nature
Nestled in the Whitemud Creek Ravine, the MacTaggart and Larch Sanctuaries are protected nature reserves with walking trails, forests and plenty of wildlife where Edmontonians can connect with nature. The Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge overlooks the Whitemud Creek at the far north end of the Mactaggart Sanctuary. The previous bridge, which was built in the early 1900s, was a popular site for walking, biking, sightseeing and more.
The new Smith Crossing Bridge was designed with the inspiration of connecting with nature. It has a light, open design that blends in with the natural surrounding area, while its larger openings provide an unobstructed view when looking out toward the creek. Through renovating the bridge in its original location, we reduce the impact on the precious natural environment.
“The Smith Crossing bridge is a beloved destination for many Edmontonians and provides an important link to the beautiful trails around Whitemud Creek,” said Sam El Mohtar, Director, Transportation Infrastructure Delivery. “The new bridge 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.”
Transforming Edmonton fast fact: In Transforming Edmonton’s “Pick- a -Park with City Council“, City Councillor Tim Cartmell picked MacTaggart Sanctuary as his favourite park in Ward pihêsiwin.
Construction this past year
Construction of the new bridge started in November 2022 and was completed in phases. Once the old bridge was removed, the new bridge structure was assembled off-site and transported to the crossing. Following transportation, the structure was carefully lifted into place (as pictured below), and concrete was poured to create the bridge deck. Handrails, interpretive signage and seating were installed towards the final stages of construction.
Transforming Edmonton fast fact: The Smith Crossing Bridge was a vehicle bridge until 1961 when it was changed to a pedestrian bridge.
Why we replace or renew infrastructure
Encouraging recreation and a connection to nature are essential for physical and mental well-being. That’s why we’re building a city that provides Edmontonians with access to natural areas
Maintaining the infrastructure in our parks and open spaces – including bridges – is a fundamental part of this work. This not only accommodates our expanding population but also reinforces Edmonton as a highly desirable place to call home.
How we decide between replacing or renewing infrastructure
The City’s lifecycle management team looks at a number of factors, from construction, material and maintenance costs – to environmental factors, historical considerations, functional requirements and public engagement. In the case of the Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge, the new structure is designed to last at least 75 years, with maintenance.
The Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge replacement project supports The City Plan, which envisions a city where we protect our ecology and natural spaces, and offer support and connections for people to access them.
To learn more about the City’s infrastructure strategy, visit edmonton.ca/city_government/initiatives_innovation/infrastructure-funding-strategy.
Editor’s note: image at the top shows the new Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge with a background of autumn leaves on a sunny day.