Construction update
Construction work on the final pieces is progressing well in preparation for the bridge opening on March 24.
A number of items still need to be completed including work on the approach areas at both ends of the bridge, removal of the final segments of the temporary bridge structure, removal of the assembly pad, temporary grading and temporary pathway work. Final commissioning and tests on components such as electrical, lighting and security cameras must also be completed.
Graham Construction has also started removing materials from its worksite on the south bank of the river in preparation for the opening.
The 850-metric-tonne steel structure was moved across the Bow River over several days in late November. Using hydraulics, Graham Construction slowly pushed the Peace Bridge across the temporary bridge structure along a rail system.
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The Peace Bridge was moved across Calgary's Bow River near the end of November 2011
Once across the river, the 130-metre long bridge was moved sideways and lowered onto permanent abutments in December. The permanent location for the bridge is east, or downriver, of the temporary bridge.
Project background
Nestled between the banks of the Bow, just west of Prince's Island Park, the Peace Bridge is being built to accommodate the increasing number of people commuting to and from work and those who simply want to enjoy Calgary's pathways.
This unique structure will connect the Eau Claire area and Hillhurst-Sunnyside, carrying thousands of Calgarians each day. Calgary's downtown is home to over 30,000 residents along with 120,000 employees. This area continues to grow as 40,000 new residents and over 60,000 additional employees are expected in the downtown area by 2035.
With more people choosing to live and work in the core and surrounding areas, there will be more people travelling by foot, bicycle, or in-line skates in and out of the city centre.
Project scope
In September 2008, Calgary City Council approved the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Bow River west of Prince's Island Park. The location of the bridge is designed to create a convenient link for users of Calgary's pathway system and pedestrians wishing to travel between the Sunnyside LRT Station and central downtown destinations.
This bridge design addresses safety and comfort for users by offering:
- A 6.2-metre wide pathway, double the width of other pedestrian bridges in the area.
- A clear separation between pedestrian and bicycle/wheel traffic for safety.
- Canopy-style glazed roof supports year round use while maintaining natural light.
- Lighting for night time use.
Project timeline
Spring 2010 – off-site steel fabrication, construction site preparation.
Fall 2010 – modular steel components arrive on-site, assembly of the bridge steel and components begins.
November 2011 – bridge structure is moved across the Bow River to its final location.
March 24, 2012 – completion of project and opening of the bridge.
Environmental stewardship
In addition to its striking form, the Peace Bridge supports several of The City's priorities including environmental protection. The design of the 130-metre long, single span bridge will minimize the environmental impacts of construction and permanent bridge installation over the Bow River.
As well, the bridge is designed to:
- Withstand Calgary's one-in-100-year flood cycle.
- Meet a minimum 75-year life span.
- Allow barrier-free access for people of all mobility types.
Transportation Infrastructure has received approvals from all appropriate regulatory agencies for work in the river and on the north and south embankments. Environmental, wildlife and habitat impacts are being minimized through construction best practices such as the use of booms and working outside the fish spawning windows.
Funding and contractors
Funding for the Peace Bridge is provided by The City's Capital Budget. For the Transportation department, targeted expenditures of capital are directed by TIIP which defines the priority and timing of major infrastructure construction projects. This program emphasizes pedestrian and cycling in high-density areas where these modes are more efficient at moving people, support land use and lessen environmental impacts.
- Construction – $17.995 million.
- Design, engineering and quality assurance – $3.9 million.
- Project management and contingency – $2.6 million.
The following organizations will construct the Peace Bridge:
General Contractor
Subcontractors
- Steel Fabrication and Coating Supplier - Augescon
- Steel Erector – Graham Infrastructure
- Glazing Supplier and Installer – GIG Fassaden
- Piling – Big Eagle Services
The complex tubular steel structure was fabricated by Augescon in Spain, shipped to Canada in September 2010 and was assembled on site. The deck is a combination of cast-in-place and pre-cast concrete. The glazing was supplied by the Austrian company, GIG Fasseden. Graham Infrastructure a JV was responsible for the assembly of the bridge structure.
The majority of the project was tendered through competitive processes. This includes construction, geotechnical investigation, hydrotechnical reviews, electrical designers, and construction supervision. The design of the bridge was single-sourced. Examples of Transportation projects where the design component was provided to a single contractor include Legsby Pedestrian Bridge (Cohos Evamy); Graves Bridge Twinning (CH2M Hill); and Macleod Trail/Shawnessy-Midlake Boulevard Interchange (Stantec).
The bridge was designed by award-winning architect and bridge designer Santiago Calatrava. His design work spans the globe and includes numerous road and pedestrian bridges (Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay, Redding, California), airports (Lyon Airport Station, France), and transportation centres (World Trade Center Transportation Hub, New York City).
The Calgary office of Stantec Consulting is providing technical support and the Transportation department is providing management expertise for the project.
More information
Transportation Infrastructure is committed to keeping Calgarians informed about this project. If you would like to receive information updates by email, simply fill out the online form. For more information, please call 3-1-1, or if calling from outside Calgary, call 403-268-CITY (2489).
Updated renderings, information and videos will be posted on this page as the design and construction of this bridge progresses.
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