5 iconic bridges from around the world we think Edmonton should copy
The High Level Bridge has survived 113 years of Edmonton winters and generations of commuters, but it may not survive the City’s infrastructure budget.
According to a report presented to Edmonton City Council on May 19, rehabilitation alone is no longer considered a practical long-term solution for the High Level Bridge after updated engineering analysis found the structure is in worse condition than previously believed, and rehabilitation costs continue to climb.
“At 113 years old, the bridge is beyond the end of its lifecycle, making rehabilitation a high-risk, high-cost endeavour with an extended construction schedule,” the report said, adding that major rehabilitation work would be required every 20 to 25 years, becoming more expensive and riskier each time.
Of course, Edmonton will still need a way to get across the giant river running through the middle of the city. So if a replacement bridge is in our future, we figured now was as good a time as any to start window shopping around the globe for some inspiration.
Here are some iconic bridges from around the world that Edmonton should consider copying.
Jacques Cartier Bridge, Montreal
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If we’re looking for inspiration a little closer to home, Edmonton may want to take a look at Montreal’s Jacques Cartier Bridge. The steel truss bridge spans the Saint Lawrence River between Montreal and Longueuil, Que., and offers nearly identical clearance above the water as the High Level Bridge. Built in 1925, it carries five lanes of traffic and is one of Montreal’s most recognizable landmarks.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York
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When we think of the High Level Bridge, we imagine a massive steel structure looming over the river valley. And if that’s the look we’re aiming for in the future, then the Brooklyn Bridge deserves a spot on this list. Spanning New York City’s East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, the iconic suspension bridge opened in 1883 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the continent. Its soaring towers and web of suspension cables would certainly add a bit of drama to Edmonton’s skyline!
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
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Maybe Edmonton could borrow a page from our friends down under. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is large, impressive and also has a similar height above the water as the High Level Bridge. It’s even big enough to carry rail traffic, and with a bridge that wide, High Level traffic would truly be a thing of the past.
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Millau Viaduct, France
H1ghCh4rity/Shutterstock
Completed in 2004, this is one of the more recently built entries on the list, but we’re willing to make an exception for the enormous Millau Viaduct that spans the valley of the river Tarn in France. If we’re going to shoot for the stars, we may as well aim for one of the largest river valley bridges on the planet.
High Level Bridge, United Kingdom
MC MEDIASTUDIO/Shutterstock
We’re not sure whether Edmonton’s High Level Bridge took inspiration from this one, but we can certainly see the similarities. The High Level Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, spans the River Tyne and was built in 1849, inaugurated by Queen Victoria. It’s 64 years older than Edmonton’s High Level Bridge and still stands strong today.