Winnipeg park’s pedestrian bridge replacements fit snugly into existing abutments

April 18, 2019

As part of a capital improvement program for King’s Park in southern Winnipeg, two iconic wooden pedestrian bridges were replaced with new, barrier-free counterparts from Algonquin Bridge.

Wide view of Bowstring Truss Bridge in Winnipeg Park, Vue d'ensemble d'un pont en treillis bowstring dans un parc de Winnipeg

View Time-Lapse Video of Replacement Project (2:17) >>

The two bridges (14 m and 16 m) were replaced in stages with each fully assembled span shipping from our Thorndale, Ontario, facility on a flatbed and then installing in one day. The contractor on the project, Pier Solutions, had removed the old bridges and refurbished the existing abutments to be ready for the new bridge arrivals.

Aesthetics important in choosing Algonquin over other Canadian pedestrian bridge manufacturers

The city was very concerned about the aesthetics of the new bridges as the old ones were very much a part of the cultural fabric of the park and were often the settings for graduation and wedding photos.

Original wooden bridges in Winnpeg’s King’s Park, Les ponts de bois originaux du parc King, à Winnipeg
Original wooden bridges

While the new prefabricated steel Bowstring Truss designs still carry the graceful arch aesthetic of the original bridges, their level decks will now meet city accessibility requirements. Plans are to paint the arch features on the new bridges to match the nearby Asian-teahouse-style pagoda.

Wide view of Bowstring Truss Bridge on flatbed trailer, Vue d'ensemble d'un pont en treillis bowstring sur une remorque à plateau
Each bridge delivered on a flatbed trailer and installed in one day

Councillor Janice Lukes (South Winnipeg – St. Norbert) cut the ribbon for the first bridge at an official opening ceremony.

Official opening for Bowstring Truss Bridge in Winnipeg Park, Inauguration officielle d'un pont en treillis bowstring dans un parc de Winnipeg

Algonquin worked closely with Pier Solutions early on in the tender stage to provide helpful design information and costing. This project was very much a team approach between us, as we had also worked with them on the Vermillion River Pedestrian Bridge in Dauphin, Manitoba.

Related Media Coverage:

Building bridges in King’s Park: city unveils new pedestrian structures >>

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