Banff, AB – The Bow River Pedestrian Bridge in Banff has been shortlisted for a prestigious, international award for structural engineering from over 100 entries from around the world. Banff's entry, Footbridge Over the Bow, is one of three shortlisted entries in the pedestrian bridges category.
In selecting Banff, the judges called the bridge dramatic, responding "elegantly and efficiently to its context....(and) to the constraints and aspirations for the site with sustainability objectives fully met respecting . . . a beautiful natural setting."
With its 113-metre length, including the 80-metre central span, the Banff pedestrian bridge is among the longest timber bridges in the world, and the glulam beams are among the largest installed in North America. The bridge was designed by Fast & Epp. The architects and constructors were StructureCraft.
The bridge carries the sewer and water utility pipes across the Bow River, replacing aging and exposed sewer pipes in the bed of the river. It opened three months ahead of schedule and under budget on July 2, 2013. Since opening, it experiences an average of 1,800 crossings daily in summer.
The bridge is the first new crossing of the Bow River in Banff in 90 years, since the vehicle bridge was opened in 1923. The location, between Muskrat Street and Glen Avenue, had been contemplated for a bridge as early as 1914, and most recently in the award-winning Banff Downtown Enhancement Conceptual Plan.
Since 1968, the Structural Awards have recognized innovation and excellence in the field of structural engineering. The other shortlisted entries in the category are a 28-metre span suspension bridge in Toulon, France and a suspension bridge crossing the Muregeya River near Rutsiro, Rwanda. The winner will be announced November 14 in London, England.