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The City of Edmonton says this summer’s record rainfall and severe storms mean the High Level Bridge will require extensive repairs next year, which will shut down the bridge.
The heavily used High Level connects pedestrians, cyclists and southbound motorists — and an Edmonton streetcar in the summertime — from downtown Edmonton to the city’s Garneau and Strathcona areas.
Summer storms caused landslides and erosions that affected the river-valley slopes next to the bridge, and urgent repairs are required, the City of Edmonton said in a news release.
Rehabilitation work on the bridge, which was initially slated for 2028, will start at the same time to try to minimize disruption, the release said.
The High Level will be closed to traffic during traffic. The pedestrian access will be maintained “when possible;” the city will share any access changes and detours or alternative routes in advance.
Crews have to fix things like bearings, “substructure components on land,” and structural drainage, the city said. They will also remove a column in the middle of the west sidewalk to improve safety “and the experience” for pedestrians and cyclists.
The facelift, meanwhile, aims to improve accessibility where possible and ensure the bridge is safe amid long-term planning to eventually replace it.
While that work happens, the city is pushing rehab to the Low Level Bridge’s northbound lanes to 2028 to help traffic flow, the release said.