Edmontonians can breathe a sigh of relief this morning: the delay-plagued new Walterdale Bridge is finally open to traffic. Two of the three traffic lanes have initially entered service, with the easternmost lane blocked by stanchions in order to accommodate road tie-in work on the north side of the bridge, which could not commence until the closure of the old bridge. 

The shared-use path alongside the bridge, image by Forum contributor Daveography

Calling the DIALOG-designed arch bridge a "new river valley icon," Deputy City Manager Adam Laughlin says the crucial piece of civic infrastructure "will be something for commuters to look forward to on Monday morning and for Edmontonians to use and admire for the next 100 years."

Traffic traverses the bridge for the first time, image by Forum contributor Daveography

The $155 million Walterdale Bridge Replacement Project began in spring 2013 and was originally slated to open in November 2015. Later pushed back to late 2016 and then mid-2017, the series of delays sparked financial penalties levied against the contractor that totalled $17,000 per day.

The third lane is scheduled for opening in October, image by Forum contributor Daveography

Pedestrian access on the west sidewalk of the old bridge will be maintained as sidewalk tie-ins are completed. The new west sidewalk and all three lanes are expected to be open in October. The shared-use pedestrian bridge to the east will open later in the fall alongside some trail connections, although the old bridge will need to be dismantled first for all trail links to be completed. The original Walterdale Bridge, a three-span structural steel truss bridge, was built in 1912. 

The old bridge is set to be fully dismantled in 2018, image by Forum contributor Daveography

When pedestrian and vehicle traffic makes a full move to the new bridge, the access road leading from the Kinsmen Sports Centre will be realigned, permitting the demolition of the old bridge. The City says this work will conclude in 2018.

The bridge has become a fixture in the skyline, image by Forum contributor Daveography

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