The bridge's two arches were fabricated in South Korea and shipped to Edmonton in sections.
The project used a unique 'arch-lift' construction method where the entire arch assembly was raised into place as a single unit.
The bridge's design removed the previous bottleneck, improving vehicle capacity while prioritizing river-crossing space for non-motorized traffic.
The bridge's structural design allows for a clear span across the river, minimizing environmental impact on the riverbed ecosystem.
It is the first major bridge in Edmonton to feature a dedicated, protected sidewalk completely separated from vehicle lanes.
The Walterdale Bridge is a signature tied-arch bridge spanning the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, Alberta. Opened in 2017, the structure features two massive 56-meter-high steel arches that support the bridge deck without central piers in the river. It replaced a 1913 steel truss bridge to accommodate increased traffic volume and modern safety standards. The bridge incorporates dedicated shared-use paths for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting the river valley trail system on both banks. Its design is characterized by a sleek, modern aesthetic using over 3,000 tonnes of structural steel. The bridge serves as a primary transit link between the downtown core and the Old Strathcona neighborhood. LED lighting integrated into the structure allows for customized illumination displays during significant events or holidays.
From the riverbank trail in Queen Elizabeth Park looking north, capturing the full scale of the arches reflected in the river.
Use the shared-use paths to connect your walk between the Kinsmen Sports Centre and Queen Elizabeth Park.
Visit at night to see the LED arch illumination, which often changes colors to honor local initiatives.
Bring a windbreaker, as the open structure frequently experiences gusty conditions from the river valley.
Attempting to photograph the bridge while standing on the roadway, as vehicle traffic is high and fast-moving.
Cyclists and pedestrians must share the designated path; keep to the right to allow for passing traffic.
