The iconic new Walterdale Bridge connects the city, nature, and people

Edmonton, Canada –The new Walterdale Bridge in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada creates a striking new entrance into the downtown and a unique gathering place in the heart of North America’s largest urban parkland.

The bridge is a gracious, single span, twin through-arch steel structure, spanning 206 m (greater than the length of two football fields) from bank to bank across the North Saskatchewan River in the heart of Edmonton. It carries three lanes of northbound vehicle traffic, a sidewalk to the west of the roadway and a separated footbridge or shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists to the east. The project also included the realignment of two major roadways to connect to the new river bridge alignment. The result is a signature structure that blends with its natural setting and creates a landmark gateway to the city’s downtown.

The new bridge creates a public space on the river at a pivotal location where the duality of the city and nature are experienced and celebrated. The approaches to the bridge on the north and south banks reinforce the signature quality of the bridge through evocative landform and planting. Though it is a bridge for both cars and pedestrians, the experience of each mode is separate and enjoyable in its own way.

The curved shared use path on the downstream, more pastoral, side of the bridge arcs away from traffic, where pedestrians and cyclists feel closer to nature. The path narrows at its middle and widens as it gets closer to both river banks. The entrances to the shared use path include a wooden boardwalk adding warmth and connection to its river valley setting. Along the west side of the shared use path, a continuous high-back bench softens the prevailing winds and noise from traffic. The pedestrian experience is welcoming and enjoyable. There are places on the bridge and banks to linger and watch the river go by.

For cars, the approach to the bridge is dramatic. As cars approach, there is a wonderful procession down the hill through the river valley’s forest, then a dramatic reveal of the iconic bridge and Edmonton’s downtown skyline. The arches announce that you’re going somewhere special. They draw you in and frame views of the river valley and the downtown.

The bridge is designed to last for at least 100 years and was the most complex infrastructure project ever completed in Edmonton. Not only is it an incredible feat of engineering to design, but the construction process was also challenging as well, requiring close collaboration between designers, builders, and the City of Edmonton.

This is so much more than a transportation project. Seamless integration between engineering, architecture and the public realm is considered at all levels of scale, from the overall global level of the structure and roads down to the pedestrian experience. The people of Edmonton have embraced it as a destination gathering place, a highlight in their daily commute, and a backdrop for meaningful moments like engagements and wedding photos. It has quickly become a signature part of Edmonton’s identity and will continue to define the city for decades to come.

Project Team

• City of Edmonton: Client
• DIALOG: Bridge design and structural engineering team leader, architecture, landscape architecture and electrical design
• ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd.: Prime consultant, project management, roadway design
• COWI North America Ltd.: Bridge design sub-consultant
• Al-Terra Engineering Ltd.: Roadway design sub-consultant
• Thurber Engineering Ltd.: Geotechnical and materials testing
• Spencer Environmental Services: Environmental assessment and permitting
• Turtle Island Cultural Resource Management: Historical resources impact assessment and aboriginal consultation
• HLB Lighting Design: Lighting design

About DIALOG

DIALOG is a multi-disciplinary design firm with studios across Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and San Francisco. The firm’s work includes designing for urban vibrancy, health and wellness, transportation, education, arts and culture, residential, retail, and commercial, as well as mixed-use solutions. DIALOG is passionate about design. They believe it can, and should, meaningfully improve the wellbeing of our communities and the environment we all share.

See the story of the construction of this iconic bridge here.