Originally built in 1902, the Mill Creek Pedestrian Bridges south of the North Saskatchewan River in Bonnie Doon, were once a vital piece of heavy rail infrastructure until their decommissioning in the 1970s. No longer needed by the Edmonton, Yukon and Pacific Railway, the old trestle bridges were converted into pedestrian bridges, which were later supplemented by the addition of a handful of smaller gluam bridges, thereby making one contiguous walking trail. 

Mill Creek Ravine Pedestrian Bridge, image by Flickr user Mack Male via Creative Commons

After 40 years of use, it was high time for an overhaul, and the City of Edmonton opted to perform at least a year's worth of repair and reconstruction work on each and every one of the former trestle and pedestrian bridges in the Mill Creek Ravine.

Refurbished former trestle bridge from below, image by Flickr user Mack Male via Creative Commons

Sturdily built from local timber more than a century ago, the original trestle bridges were built strong enough to carry 1000's of tonnes of freight, trains and all, thereby allowing easy passage for humans on foot. Nevertheless, after 100 years of wear and tear, it was evident to civil engineers that it was time for a rebuild. 

Trestle Bridge, reverse view, image by Flickr user Mack Male via Creative Commons

Owing to the historic nature of the old trestle bridges, 25% of the original wooden timbers were reused, thereby infusing a sizeable degree of heritage into the project. Having just re-opened to the public this week, the Mill Creek Ravine Pedestrian Bridges have once again become a popular destination for active Edmontonians of all ages. 

Intrigued to check out the reopened bridges? Go check them out and be sure to post all the photos on our Forum!