Barring setbacks, work to replace railings on Calgary’s iconic Peace Bridge should be done by the end of November, giving users a little more space to travel.
Work has been ongoing for the past year to add steel tension cables to the sides of the popular commuting bridge after a 2022 vandalism spree resulted in several glass panels being smashed. On Tuesday, workers began removing some of the protective fencing.
With 75 per cent of the glass panels smashed in a July 2022 incident, the City of Calgary decided to change the rail material to steel tension cables with a cost of 1$ million.
Now, that work is set for completion.
“We can confirm construction remains on schedule, and as long as no unexpected circumstances arise, we expect to fully re-open the bridge by the end of November,” the city said in an emailed statement.
The Peace Bridge is a popular commuting corridor connecting the southern Bow River pathway and Downtown Calgary to the northern Bow River pathway and the Sunnyside community.
The damage in 2022 forced the city to take steps for a longer-term solution. That meant the installation of the steel-tension cables. That work required the rail area to be fenced off, with a narrowed lane still available for reduced use.
“We will continue to maintain walking and wheeling access throughout construction; however, commuters are still advised to use alternate routes when possible and to exercise caution in using the bridge as the space to pass over the bridge will be narrow,” read the city’s statement.
The bridge has been grappling with vandalism ever since it opened slightly over a decade ago. The city has spent more than $500,000 for the replacement of glass panels over the years.
Users are happy to see the project done
Nicholas Stratford, a runner who uses three times a week the bridge says he’s happy that the bridge is finally done.
Many like Stratford use the bridge for recreation, to get to work, or as a part of their commute.
“I run on the bridge quite frequently and it’s nice to have something better to look at when I’m crossing,” he said.
The Peace Bridge initially was made with glass panel railings, and some Calgarians were afraid this solution could affect the aesthetics of the structure. But Stratford said it looks good.
“I think the new steel tension cables look good. Not an eyesore at all. Very, very happy with the outcome of the construction,” he said.
The idea behind the use of cables was to reduce maintenance and vandalism. The city has said in the past that this solution would safe and durable.
The City of Calgary will announce an official re-opening once work is officially complete. You can find more information and updates on this project at Calgary.ca/PeaceBridge.
