September 17, 2017
A moment Edmontonians have been waiting for is here: the new Walterdale Bridge will be open to traffic for the
Monday, September 18 morning commute.
“We’re pleased to be able to share this beautiful bridge with the public,” said Deputy City Manager, Adam Laughlin. “This new river valley icon will be something for commuters to look forward to on Monday morning and for Edmontonians to use and admire for the next 100 years.”
Two of the three traffic lanes will be open initially in order to accommodate necessary road tie-in work on the north side of the bridge. This work cannot be done until the old bridge closes. The new Walterdale Bridge will have all three lanes open in October.
Current pedestrian access will be maintained on the west sidewalk of the old bridge as crews complete sidewalk tie-ins for the new Walterdale Bridge. The new west sidewalk will open in October as well.
The signature shared-use path will open later this fall along with some surrounding trails; however some trail connections cannot be completed until the old bridge is removed. Pedestrians and cyclists are asked to continue following trail detour signs in the area.
Once pedestrian and vehicle traffic moves fully to the new bridge, the access road out of the Kinsmen Sports Centre will be realigned and demolition of the old bridge will begin. This work will be completed in 2018.
The $155 million Walterdale Bridge Replacement Project began in Spring 2013. The result is a signature piece of infrastructure that will serve Edmontonians for the next 100 years.
