(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Complex phase

City of Red Deer to move CPR Pedestrian Bridge onto new supports this week

Feb 24, 2026 | 3:13 PM

The City of Red Deer says the CPR Bridge Rehabilitation Project is heading into one of its most complex phases.

On Feb. 26 and 27, they’ll physically move the 118-year-old pedestrian bridge following more than a year of preparation.

The work leading up to this includes truss sandblasting and painting, construction of new concrete foundations, new bridge bearing installation, and several stages of ground and bridge prep work.

As a result, the refurbished bridge is ready to be set onto its new support structure.

“Moving a truss bridge of this age and scale is not something you see every day,” said Kurtis Anketell, City of Red Deer Public Works Bridge Engineer, in a media release. “By rehabilitating and moving the trusses to the new foundations, we are ensuring the bridge remains safe and reliable for years to come, while protecting an important trail network in our city.”

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To move the structure, specialized cranes and engineered lifting systems have been installed at the site. Crews will move the bridge in two pieces, beginning with the north truss, followed by the south truss.

The city project teams had to prepare for this phase from a safety aspect, including considering a 50-year-old water trunk, electrical transmission line and other existing infrastructure.

“This is one of the most technically demanding stages of the project,” Anketell added. “The operation has been carefully sequenced and designed, reflecting months of planning to ensure safety and precision throughout the process of lifting each 200 metric tonne bridge section.”

During moving day, residents may notice increased activity around the project site. Those interested in watching the work are encouraged to safely watch from the Gaetz Avenue bridge or tune in to the City’s live feed on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/thecityofreddeer.