Work has begun on constructing a footbridge over the North Saskatchewan River that will connect Strathcona County to east Edmonton.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi was joined by Strathcona County councillor Corey-Ann Hartwick on Wednesday (June 7) to announce that construction on the bridge will officially get underway.
"It's wonderful to be here to celebrate the start of construction on the newest footbridge that will span the North Saskatchewan River," said Sohi. "I look forward to imagining when this bridge is built and can go further on the existing trail all the way to Fort Saskatchewan."
"It will also connect the river trail systems within the North Saskatchewan River valley."
The bridge will be located at the end of Township 540 near Legends Golf and Country Club and connect across the river with Edmonton's 167 Avenue just north of the Quarry golf course.
Hartwick, who was at the announcement as acting mayor of Strathcona County, is ecstatic with what this means for the county.
"Our portion of the trail is 22 kilometres in length and connects Strathcona's provincial Science Park to Fort Saskatchewan," said Hartwick. "This pedestrian footbridge will also improve access to the multi-use trail system present in the North Saskatchewan River Valley."
"The footbridge will become a landmark enjoyed by many generations to come."
The actual bridge will be built at a cost of about $38.6 million in funding provided by the River Valley Alliance (RVA), Strathcona County, and the City of Edmonton.
As for how big the bridge is expected to be, it was announced that it will span 230 metres with two piers in the river with a curved design.
Kristine Archibald, the executive director of the RVA, says this is a major project that will help connect a cohesive trail system between South Edmonton all the way to Fort Saskatchewan.
"Once this bridge is open, residents and visitors alike will be able to travel via foot, bicycle, e-bicycle, snowshoe...from the Anthony Henday bridge in Southwest Edmonton to Lamoureux in Sturgeon County without once using a car," said Archibald.
Construction is expected to be completed by 2025.