Peace Bridge
About the project
Starting August 19, the Peace Bridge will undergo scheduled minor maintenance work. This work will include warranty items from previous railing repair work and also abutment wall maintenance at both ends of the bridge. Additionally, we will be selectively replacing a few cosmetic elements within the canopy structure. By consolidating these activities into a single maintenance window, we aim to minimize the impact on Calgarians and visitors.
To reduce inconvenience, all maintenance will take place without any daytime bridge closures. Walking and wheeling access to the bridge will remain fully open throughout the project, except for approximately five overnight closures between August 26 and August 30. On these dates, the bridge will be temporarily closed to public access from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and alternate routes will be provided for overnight users.
The entire maintenance project is expected to take approximately one month, with completion anticipated by the end of September. We will continue to update the community as the work progresses.
We thank all Calgarians and visitors for their patience during this maintenance period.
Project timeline
- Start of maintenance: August 19, 2024
- Overnight bridge closures: August 26 – 30, 2024
- Maintenance completion: End of September 2024
Construction activities are dependent on several factors. Timelines may change due to inclement weather and/or other unexpected circumstances.
Budget
The total estimated investment for this project is $175,000.
Past work on Peace Bridge and its history
The Peace Bridge, which originally opened to the public on March 24, 2012, has, over the past decade, become an iconic landmark for both Calgarians and tourists. During the summer months, it draws approximately 9,000 visitors daily who walk and wheel across the bridge.
In July 2022, 70 of the 100 glass railing panels on the bridge were vandalized. Since then, steady progress has been made to develop a repair solution that preserves the bridge's original design while incorporating materials that are more resistant to vandalism and easier to maintain over time.
Working collaboratively with Santiago Calatrava Architects and Engineers, along with a local architectural firm, the City replaced the glass railing panels with steel tension cables. This solution helped to maintain the bridge's original design while also reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
By November 2023, the Peace Bridge was fully reopened to the public after a period of partial closure for construction.
Now, after a year of operation with the repaired railings, their performance and enhanced durability have proven to be highly successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the City perform regular bridge maintenance?
The City conducts scheduled minor maintenance on the bridge to ensure it remains safe. This includes warranty items from previous railing repair work, abutment wall maintenance work at both ends of the bridge, and selectively replacing a few cosmetic elements within the canopy structure. Regular maintenance is essential to preserving the bridge’s functionality and appearance for Calgarians and guests of the city.
Will the bridge be closed to the public during maintenance?
The Peace Bridge will remain accessible every day throughout the maintenance period. However, from August 26 to August 30, the bridge will be closed overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. During these times, overnight commuters are advised to use alternate routes. Construction signage will be put in place to assist with detours on these nights.
When will the maintenance end?
Maintenance is set to be completed by the end of September 2024. We thank you for your patience during this approximately month-long period.
How often does the City perform regular maintenance on its bridges?
The City regularly schedules bridge maintenance as part of its budgeting and inspection processes. Maintenance frequency varies depending on the specific needs identified during inspections. This process is essential to maintaining the safety and functionality of our infrastructure.