Children's Bridge Rehabilitation

About the Project

This project targets the rehabilitation of the Children’s Bridge, which was originally constructed in 1980. The bridge and adjacent trails make up a portion of the City’s downtown trail system and run along the north and south banks of the Sturgeon River. It is a tourist attraction within the City and carries pedestrian traffic over the Sturgeon River. The existing structure consists of a 2 span (13.3m – 40.3m) cable stayed orthotropic steel deck superstructure, supported with a single steel tower and a cast-in-place concrete substructure.

Previous inspections of the bridge have highlighted several deficiencies requiring rehabilitation. This project will repair these deficiencies to extend the life cycle of the bridge. Additional work for the City’s Founders Walk Phase 3, previously identified at the bridge, may be undertaken at the same time.

Rehabilitation work will include:

Stripping existing bridge deck surfacing and installation of new bridge deck surfacing.
Handrail removal and replacement.
Replacement of approach roof slabs and installation of new drainage system at abutments.
Concrete repairs at various locations on the bridge.
Stiffening elements to mitigate the vertical movement of the deck and perceived discomfort of bridge users.

Also tentatively included in the project scope are the following:

Electrical design and installation for handrail lighting.
Design and construction for Founder’s Walk Phase 3 pedestrian nodes at the north end of the bridge.

Potential Construction Impacts

Closure of the bridge is anticipated during certain phases of the work for pedestrian and contractor safety. An alternate pedestrian crossing of the river is available at the Perron Street Bridge.