Trail’s $14.7M suspension bridge construction well underway

The suspension bridge is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2016.

by Keith Powell — June 17, 2016

Construction on what will be one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in North America is underway in the City of Trail. — Photo courtesy Kootenay Business

Work on one of North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges is well underway in the City of Trail. The new suspension bridge will span the Columbia River and the initial heavy cables have been installed and attached to two massive concrete towers. The span runs 1000 feet across the Columbia River from Rotary Park, near downtown Trail to McQuarrie Street at Columbia Avenue in East Trail.

Late last year, Trail City Council awarded the contract for construction of the pipeline/pedestrian bridge to Graham Infrastructure LP. The contract with Graham Infrastructure LP was for $12.23 million. Additional costs for the project will bring the total to $14.7 million. The Regional Sewer Service participants agreed to contribute $7.2 million and the City of Trail has agreed to pay $7.5 million.

The municipalities of Trail, Rossland and Warfield, who are all members to the East End Regional Sewer Service, formally supported the pipeline/pedestrian bridge project.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) budgeted approximately $7,428,000 to construct a pipeline bridge spanning the Columbia River. This pipeline bridge will accommodate the regional sewer interceptor line, which must be moved off the old bridge. This portion of the project will commence in the near future as it is a necessity for the region.

Engineers at Buckland & Taylor Ltd. designed the bridge to feature single-leg tower pole masts and details on the decking, the handrails, the cables, and the pedestrian and aesthetic lighting have also been approved. From shore to shore the bridge will be 305 metres (1000 feet) long—one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in North America.

It is anticipated that the project, which is running on schedule, should be completed in the fall of 2016.