After more than a year of major rehabilitation work, one of Red Deer’s most recognizable landmarks is ready to welcome the community back.
The City of Red Deer will officially reopen the CPR Pedestrian Bridge on September 28, marking the completion of a $22.3-million rehabilitation project that has preserved the 118-year-old historic structure, improved an important active transportation connection and transformed the surrounding area into a welcoming public space.
Residents are invited to walk the newly rehabilitated bridge and explore displays highlighting the bridge’s history, major project milestones and memories submitted by community members. A new art piece will also be unveiled on the north bank of the bridge. The displays will be available for viewing from 12 to 6 p.m.
“For generations, the CPR Bridge has been woven into Red Deer’s story. Its very existence helped spur the development that was fundamental to the growth of our community, but over time it has become much more than a transportation link,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies. “It has been the backdrop for countless family photos, graduations, weddings and beautiful walks along the river. Preserving this bridge means preserving an important piece of our community’s history while making sure it can continue to connect Red Deerians for generations to come.”
Constructed by Canadian Pacific Railway in 1908, the bridge carried trains until 1990, when the rail line was relocated out of downtown. At that time, a group of passionate Red Deerians advocated to save the structure from demolition, and City Council designated it a Municipal Historic Resource in 1991.
More than three decades later, the deterioration of the bridge foundations, steel, and other structural components meant significant work was required to preserve it. Rehabilitation began in February 2025 and included replacement of the bridge foundations, reconstruction of the timber trestle, repair and replacement of corroded steel truss elements, repainting of the trusses, a new durable bridge deck, lighting improvements and contaminated soil removal.
One of the most significant milestones occurred in February 2026, when the bridge’s two steel trusses, each weighing more than 200 metric tonnes, were lifted and moved to new foundations following months of engineering, planning and site preparation.
“This was an exceptionally complex rehabilitation process that required careful planning and specialized expertise. A tremendous amount of coordination across many teams was essential in moving the bridge onto new foundations,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “From repairing the historic steel to constructing new foundations and relocating two 200-tonne trusses, every stage was approached with the same objective: preserve the historically significant pieces while renewing the infrastructure necessary for the bridge to safely function. The project team has accomplished something remarkable.”
The project also includes significant improvements to the surrounding public space, including enhanced and realigned pathways, pedestrian lighting, landscaping, seating areas and a new gathering plaza on the north side of the river. The project also includes significant revegetation around the site, with more than 60 new trees and 900 new plants being planted as part of the landscaping work.
The new plaza also features permanent public art called Luminous Passage. This 13-foot sculptural installation draws inspiration from the historic lantern that was once integral to Canadian Pacific Railway. The steel sculpture is illuminated from within, and the changing light is inspired by the colours and seasonal cycles of the plants and other species found along the Red Deer River.
The Government of Canada contributed $11.1 million through the Active Transportation Fund, with the City of Red Deer contributing the remaining $11.2 million toward the project. Of the total $22.3-million budget, $20 million supported bridge rehabilitation and contaminated soil removal, while $2.3 million supported public realm improvements such as plazas, pathways, lighting and landscaping.
“Today we celebrate the re-opening of an irreplaceable part of Red Deer’s heritage, “said Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), and Ministerial Lead for Jasper. “For over a century, the CPR bridge has connected people across the river, and its rehabilitation reflects a commitment to honour that legacy and the stories that have built so many Alberta communities. As an active transportation link for pedestrians and cyclists, we are preserving an important part of Red Deer’s history, while creating a safe and accessible connection for residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Along with celebrating the many community memories, the reopening will also recognize the many people involved in safely delivering the project, on time and on budget. Residents attending the reopening day are encouraged to take their time exploring the site and reconnecting with a bridge that has been part of Red Deer for 118 years. For those unable to join in person, the City of Red Deer will be sharing highlights of the bridge reopening at www.reddeer.ca/CPRBridge.