A major change is coming to one of Cochrane’s historic structures.
Starting in July, the River Avenue Bridge will be closed to regular vehicle traffic and converted to a dedicated pedestrian and active transportation corridor.
The move is part of a broader plan to improve community safety and enhance accessibility across the Bow River, according to the Town of Cochrane.
“Ensuring reliable emergency access to all properties south of the river was the main motivation for this change,” said Drew Hyndman, Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure Services for the Town of Cochrane. “Working with the developer in the area provided the opportunity to also create a safer space to navigate the pathway network, reduce wear and tear on the bridge and support future community uses of the bridge.”
The decision was driven by new development at the western end of the Riviera neighbourhood. In response, the Town requested that the developer upgrade the existing gravel Emergency Access Road into a fully legal roadway.
This will allow both emergency and public vehicles access to River Heights Rise via Riviera Way, replacing the River Avenue Bridge as the main access point.
Until now, the bridge served as the only route to several properties on River Heights Rise. However, its narrow width and weight restrictions made it difficult, and sometimes impossible, for emergency vehicles to cross safely.
Once the change takes effect, the bridge will remain open to pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users. Emergency and maintenance services will still have access through a secure, controlled gate system.
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More information and ongoing updates about the project can be found at cochrane.ca/riveravenuebridge2025.