Location
Ft. McMurray, Alberta
Expertise
Share
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo engaged Associated Engineering to design a new pedestrian bridge crossing the Hangingstone River in Fort McMurray, AB, at the south end of the municipality.
The existing steel truss road bridge carrying King Street over the river was overloaded by an unattractive, painted timber pedestrian, single direction walkway. The existing coating system on the structure was also suffering from extensive deterioration.
For the structure’s design, timber was identified during the preliminary design phase, both as a cost-effective option, as well as an appropriate fit with the natural environment of the river, park, and walking trails. The new bridge uses 2 metre deep glued-laminated, timber girders as the main structural members spanning the river. Timber was also used for the stringers and most of the floor beams.

Client
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Project Highlights
42m
Long
The design features a half-through girder structural form on a shallow curve, with the main load-carrying members doubling as the parapets. This provides a modern, low profile crossing that fits gently into the landscape, and minimizes the depth between the top of the deck and the underside of the structure. Minimizing the structural depth was important, as the bridge had to be raised to meet current regulatory requirements.
Other notable design characteristics include multiple visible openings in the girders to break up the solid face of the structure, and allow pedestrians to look through and out at the river. Stainless steel plates along the top of the girders offer protection to the timber and adds a visual interest. At night, handrail lighting focuses the light onto the deck, which enhances user safety and reduces light pollution.
More Bridges Projects
See all projects

Transportation
Seymour Canyon Suspension Bridge

Bridges
Bon Accord Pedestrian Bridge

Transportation
Saline Creek Drive Pedestrian Bridge

Transportation
170th Street over CN Rail Bridge Rehabilitations

Transportation
Sutherland Ave Pedestrian Bridge

Transportation
Little Smoky Bridge Inspection, Load Rating and Assessment

Sustainable Management
Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation (Envision)

Infrastructure
Miette Hot Springs Culvert and Bridge Replacement

Transportation
Kitsault Mine Access Road and Bridge Assessments

Infrastructure
Burrard Bridge Rehabilitation

Transit
SkyTrain Fraser River Crossing North Approach Spans

Environmental
Bow River Pedestrian Bridge and Utility Crossing

Bridges
Camrose Creek Bridge Replacement

Transportation
Battleford Truss Bridge Rehabilitation

Alternative Delivery