Access to Maligne Canyon will soon be significantly improved, as Parks Canada installs a permanent Fifth Bridge, spanning the Maligne River.
The former bridge was damaged following persistently high waters during the summer of 2012. The water, which gushed through the river all summer long without receding, ate away at the bridge’s connection to the shoreline and threatened its structural integrity.
Since that time, there have been temporary bridges in place for the winter months to allow visitors to cross the Maligne River and access the trail network at Maligne Canyon.
The new bridge is expected to have a 75-year lifespan, according to Dave Kjorven, asset manager for Jasper National Park.
“That’s longer than I’m going to be here, so that’s good,” he said with a laugh.
During construction, the Fifth Bridge access road and picnic and parking areas will remain closed.
Other options for accessing the canyon include Sixth Bridge and the Maligne Canyon teahouse.
Work on the new bridge began in April, with the stabilization of the eroded banks.
“We placed large rocks along the section that was washed out in 2012, that way if the waters rise, the bank will be protected,” he explained.
Currently, new abutments and anchor blocks are being installed, so that the new 28-metre deck can be placed. The deck will be arriving in one piece and will require a 200-tonne crane to lift it onto the abutments.
Once that’s done, decking and railings will be installed.
Kjorven said the crew is aiming to open the bridge by the end of October.
Maligne Canyon sees a quarter-million visitors each year and Fifth Bridge has been an integral access point for those visitors, whether they’re tourists or locals.
The old bridge was installed in 1964 and remained functional until 2012, with minor repairs over the years.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
