The new pedestrian bridge is expected to open in fall 2023.

Project Update - Spring 2023

Construction of the new bridge is underway. The steel bridge truss structure is being fabricated off site and will be installed in May. Demolition of the original bridge and installation of the bridge foundations were completed in the winter.    

See the  Spring Project Update

The new bridge is going in the same location as the original bridge, which will reduce impact on the existing vegetation and better tie into the existing trail network. Once construction has been completed, the site will be restored to match the surrounding natural areas of the Whitemud Creek ravine.

See the  Questions and Answers for more information.

Access

The parking lot south of 23 Avenue and the bridge connection to the river valley trails will be closed during construction. Walking trails outside the construction zone will remain open, including the 23 Avenue sidewalks. Occasionally the trail south of the bridge will be closed to provide construction equipment access. 

Please be aware that this is an active construction site. Please respect the signage and the temporary fencing in place.  

You can find alternative accesses to park trails on the online River Valley Trail Map

Access Restrictions During Construction Map

About the Project

The Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge, located along 23 Avenue, provides access to the MacTaggart and Larch Sanctuaries within the river valley system. The existing bridge was built in the early 1900s and has reached the end of its service life.

A new bridge will be designed and constructed to replace this pedestrian crossing over the Whitemud Creek. The new bridge will be near the existing bridge location to reduce environmental impacts and to retain the trail connections.

see larger view