Overview
Construction of the South Bow River Bridge project began in Spring 2021.
The westbound bridge was widened from 3 lanes to 4 lanes to accommodate future traffic demands. The eastbound bridge, which previously housed a narrow pedestrian crossing, required lifecycle maintenance, safety, and widening improvements. The eastbound bridge was demolished and replaced to accommodate 4 lanes of vehicle traffic.
South of the traffic bridges, a stand-alone pedestrian crossing was constructed to provide a safer and more comfortable connection to the existing pathway system. Additional work includes widening and improvements to Stoney Trail between McLeod Trail, McKenzie Lake Boulevard and Cranston Boulevard.
The South Bow River Bridge project supported approximately 250 jobs and was fully opened to traffic in September 2024.
Looking west at the eastbound bridge construction.
Looking west at the eastbound bridge construction.
Looking east at the pedestrian bridge construction.
Looking west at the pedestrian bridge construction.
Looking north at the eastbound bridge construction.
Looking north at Stoney Trail.
Project details
Contractor: PCL Construction
- In-stream berm construction on east and west banks.
- Construction of a new 4- lane eastbound bridge, with future 5- lane accommodation.
- Widening the existing westbound bridge to add a 4th lane, with future 5-lane accommodation.
- New stand-alone pedestrian bridge located south of the South Bow River Bridge that will connect to the existing pathway network.
- Widening and improvements to Stoney Trail between McLeod Trail, McKenzie Lake Boulevard and Cranston Boulevard.
- Modifications to the ramps at Sun Valley Boulevard, Chaparral Boulevard, and Stoney Trail to accommodate widening; westbound off ramp will be upgraded to a dual exit function.
Timeline
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September 2020
- The project was announced
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January 2021
- Contract was awarded to PCL Construction
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2022 Construction
South Bow River Bridge
- Pier and abutment widening of the westbound bridge structure was completed
- Approach ramp deck construction continued
- Bearings and girders were erected on the eastbound bridge structure
- Girder erection continued on the eastbound bridge structure
Stoney Trail
- Roadway surfacing was undertaken west of Chaparral Blvd
- Stage 2 (of 2) vehicle detour implemented. Westbound traffic shifted to eastbound lanes. See detour map below.
Pedestrian Bridge
- Approach ramp decks were completed
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2024
- Completion of eastbound Stoney bridge
- Completion of pedestrian bridge
- South Bow River Bridge fully opened to traffic
In-stream berm construction on East bank.
Looking Northwest at in-stream berm construction on East bank.
Pre-demolition – Looking west over Bow River from ground level.
Pre-demolition – Looking west over Bow River.
Pedestrian bridge looking northeast.
Pedestrian bridge looking southwest.
Overhead view of pedestrian bridge with river lookout.
Looking southeast at the twinned bridge over the Bow River with pedestrian bridge in background.
Looking south at the twinned bridge over the Bow River with pedestrian bridge in background.
Overhead view looking southwest of twinned bridge over the Bow River with pedestrian bridge in background.
News
- South Bow River Bridge project to create 350-plus jobs – September 2020
- Contract awarded to build South Bow River Bridge – January 2021
Pre-demolition – looking northwest at completed east berm construction and eastbound lanes vehicle detour.
Demolition of eastbound bridge.
Demolition – looking northeast as crane vehicles remove girders and remaining pier structures.
Demolition – looking north.
Demolition – looking west at completed east section of bridge demolition.
Looking north with completed east berm of pedestrian bridge in forefront, and Stoney Trail bridge in the background.