August 3, 2009

SANTIAGO CALATRAVA

The newly unveiled design for a $24.5 million pedestrian bridge in Calgary over the Bow River has garnered its share of supporters and detractors.

Architecture

Calgary's new Bow River pedestrian bridge sports modern design

Architectural drawings of a tubular, covered bridge for pedestrians and cyclists that will span Calgary’s Bow River have been released by the city.

The $24.5 million Peace Bridge will connect Eau Claire to Sunnyside.

It was designed by award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

The new name of the bridge was recently approved by city council.

It is a reference to the military theme of Peace Park at Seventh Street S.W. on the south side of the Bow River, and the bridges future location along Memorial Drive, which was named in honour of soldiers killed in the First World War.

Since receiving budget approval last fall, the bridge has been a source of controversy.

The bridge’s critics claim it is far too expensive and believe it should have been designed by a local firm. The design of the bridge was single-sourced.

Other critics claim that the military-related name is an attempt to curb criticism of the project.

Construction of the bridge will cost only $18 million, but engineering, design, landscaping, contingency and other costs bring the total to $24.5 million.

The 130-metre long, single span bridge will be just over six metres wide and covered with tempered glass for year-round use and lit at night.

Bike lanes are located in the centre of the bridge and pedestrian paths with handrails on either side.

The side panels will be open for air circulation.

The location of the bridge is designed to create a convenient link for users of Calgary’s pathway system and pedestrians wishing to travel between the Sunnyside LRT Station and central downtown destinations such as Eau Claire.

The majority of the project will be tendered through competitive processes.

This includes construction supervision and geotechnical investigation, hydrotechnical reviews, electrical designers, utility relocations, construction and landscaping.

City officials are planning to put the construction contract out to tender this fall, which will allow construction to begin later this year.

The Calgary office of Stantec Consulting is providing technical support and the transportation department is providing management expertise.

Completion of the bridge is scheduled for late 2010 and it will be used by more than 5,000 people daily.

-JOC News Service

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