Work to replace a 123-year-old bridge in Edmonton begins soon

Construction is set to begin this fall on the replacement of the historic Mill Creek trestle bridge in south Edmonton.

According to the City, the project includes both trestle replacement and a new single-span 76th Avenue bridge, which will replace the existing culvert.

The trestle was built in 1902 as part of the Strathcona–Edmonton rail link. While the structure has reached the end of its service life, it remains a popular route for everyone who walks, cycles and rolls through the Mill Creek Ravine.

The new trestle bridge will keep the character of the current design, according to the City. Alongside it, the 76th Avenue culvert will be replaced with a single-span roadway bridge to improve creek flow and reduce erosion.

It will carry two travel lanes, one in each direction, and include a shared pathway on the north side.

City of Edmonton

In addition to the new structure, the project is expected to bring environmental benefits. Mill Creek will be realigned to follow a more natural path, with a previously buried section of the creek opened up for the first time in over 90 years.

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The city says this work will improve water quality, reduce flooding and erosion risks, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat in the ravine.

During construction, 76th Avenue and the pedestrian bridge will fully close through the ravine. Details on timing and detours are still being finalized.

A pre-construction information event is planned for late September to share updates with residents and address questions about the project’s impacts.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025, with a completion date not yet provided.

It’s one of several bridge projects planned in Edmonton, with rehabilitation work underway on the Low Level Bridge, replacement of the Wellington Bridge in north-central Edmonton and plans for major rehabilitation of the High Level Bridge.

You can find more information about the project on the City of Edmonton’s website.