Reducing emissions while improving pedestrian connectivity

The Columbia River Skywalk Pipeline Pedestrian bridge provides a critical pedestrian link between Trail's divided north and south city sectors thereby reducing the number of car trips between. It is one of the longest suspension bridges of its kind in North America, at 1000ft landing to landing. This signature bridge spans the mighty Columbia River and is part of the vast Trans Canada Trail's Great Trail network.

COWI had been providing maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation services on the Old Trail Bridge since 2000. Condemned in 2010 due to deterioration beyond repair, the Old Trail Bridge was closed to traffic and pedestrians. Through discussions with the City, COWI suggested partnering with the owner of the utility line to expand the pipeline project to include a pedestrian crossing and a secondary (back-up) waterline.

COWI was responsible for completing the conceptual and detailed design of the bridge, in addition to providing support with coordination of other consultants involved, permit applications, the tender process, and construction services.

“I feel privileged to have been given this rare opportunity to craft a landmark and defining symbol on behalf of City of Trail residents, harmonizing the solution with broader societal objectives such as carbon footprint reduction, green transformation and climate change adaptation”, says Roman Cap, Technical Lead on the project.