Parks Canada announced the completion of the brand new $825,000 Fifth Bridge, Jan. 7.
The former bridge, which spanned the Maligne River, was damaged following persistently high waters during the summer of 2012. The water, which gushed through the river without receding all summer long, 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 access the trail network at Maligne Canyon, as well as take part in canyon walks inside the limestone gorge, while during the warmer months, the temporary bridge was removed and visitors were encouraged to use the access points at Sixth Bridge and the Maligne Canyon teahouse.
Despite other access points, Fifth Bridge has been sorely missed by recreationalists for the past two years.
“It’s such an integral part of that Maligne trail network. We’ve missed it,” said Loni Klettl of the Jasper Trail Alliance—a local volunteer group that works with Parks to improve and maintain Jasper’s expansive trail network.
“When that bridge wasn’t there, all of a sudden you’re blocked. You come to this piece of trail and you’re blocked and you’ve got to go six kilometres up on the highway to get to the top.
“[Fifth Bridge] connects it all.”
Klettl said with the new bridge in place, the trail alliance has plans to work toward greater trail connectivity in the area, increasing the options for hikers and bikers.
“Now we want to connect trails on the other side of the canyon to join up with the Athabasca Overlook, which is that huge parking lot right at the top of the canyon.
“The trails we’re wanting to incorporate would tie that overlook down to the Fifth Bridge and to the Signal parking lot and to the Sixth Bridge, so it creates a whole series of trails on the west side of the canyon. We needed that bridge in place to be able to do that stuff.”
Construction of the new bridge, which was made possible by funding from the federal government, began in April with the stabilization of the eroded river banks. That was done by placing large rocks where the bank had been washed away.
Those rocks will act as protection from future high water events.
Contractors then put in abutments and anchor blocks to hold up the new 28-metre deck, which was placed on top in one piece with the help of a 200-tonne crane.
The result is a brand new foot bridge that will bring Maligne Canyon’s 400,000 annual visitors across the river.
Parks announced the bridge’s completion with a press release. In it, Jim Eglinski, member of parliament for Yellowhead, stated: “Investments such as the Fifth Bridge support the National Conservation Plan by connecting Canadians to nature through exceptional and sustainable year-round opportunities.
“Unique recreational options like the Maligne Canyon Trail provide a variety of choice for visitor enjoyment in this extraordinary destination, while ensuring the ecological integrity of this special landscape.”
Nicole Veerman
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