Algonquin Pedestrian Bridge connects new visitor centre at Winnipeg’s FortWhyte Alive

October 3, 2025

A new 72 m Box Truss Pedestrian Bridge is part of a major expansion to FortWhyte Alive with the new Buffalo Crossing Visitor Centre. The bridge creates a second, more accessible entrance to the facility from McGillivray Boulevard now served by public transit. The new bridge appears in this CTV News video which also gives some background context on the overall project. The new Visitor Centre was officially opened on April 23, 2025, and renamed as the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre.

Various views of prefabricated pedestrian bridge

New Pedestrian Bridge slides across ice on custom rollers and sled rig
Algonquin Bridge’s slogan “Connecting communities. All ways.” was certainly top of mind when our 72 m, 82,700 kg Prefabricated Pedestrian Bridge was installed by setting it on a system of rollers, mounting the lead end to an engineered sled rig and sliding it across a very frozen Lake Muir.

New Pedestrian Bridge “a natural” for nature centre
With its naturally weathering steel finish, wood decking and the fact that it’s being manufactured with solar-assisted power by a company that is committed to sustainability and Net Zero Emissions by 2050, the new bridge is a “natural” choice for this facility that focusses on connecting humans with nature.

Aerial view of prefabricated pedestrian bridge

Naturally weathering steel is an economical choice with a unique appearance that complements outdoor settings. It naturally oxidizes to provide a protective patina that does not require painting and offers several key benefits:

  • Reduced toxic emissions: No oil-based coating is used, which reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds.
  • No contaminated blast debris in habitats: Because the steel is not painted, no periodic maintenance or sandblasting is required.
  • Cost savings of 10 percent or more, initially, and even more over the life of the structure. No painting and steel’s durability means reduced costs.
  • Long life and high performance: Weathering steel has been used on bridges for many decades and performs well in most environments.

Algonquin Bridge also offers Painted Enamel, Hot-Dip Galvanized and Metalized finishes.

RELATED PROJECTS

  • Algonquin Pedestrian Bridge reconnects Manitoba’s historic Crow Wing Trail

    A new bridge just outside St-Pierre-Jolys has reconnected the ~200 km Crow Wing Trail, a recreational trail following the historic Red River ox cart trail that was used in the 1800s to transport goods from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Winnipeg.

  • Ste. Anne, Manitoba replaces popular Emile Champagne Bridge

    The Town of Ste. Anne is a small community southeast of Winnipeg that is very proud of its bilingual heritage of almost two centuries. The picturesque, tree-lined Seine River meanders through the town with the aging Emile Champagne Bridge providing a shortcut from the main business district to Redemptorist Park and Villa Youville on the south side. Unfortunately, the old bridge had been restricted to foot traffic only in recent years and its service-life was basically over.

  • Manitoba walking trail bridge opens to 74 thumbs up

    The City of Dauphin, Manitoba knew their new bridge joining their Vermillion Park Walking Trail with their Vermillion SportsPlex would be well-received. But they never expected a rousing cheer with 74 thumbs up the very moment it was placed.

The AIL Group of Companies