Edmonton’s Dawson Bridge to Undergo Urgent Rehab Starting Nov 2025

UPDATE: Edmonton’s historic Dawson Bridge is set for urgent rehabilitation, beginning in mid-to-late November 2025, with work expected to conclude by Spring 2026. This crucial project aims to address significant deterioration, ensuring safe passage for all users.

The City of Edmonton announced that minor traffic slowdowns will impact commuters during the winter months as crews prepare for the extensive work. Single-lane closures are anticipated in early 2026, lasting around one month, while pedestrian access will be restricted on one side of the bridge throughout construction.

The rehabilitation comes after a thorough assessment in 2019 highlighted the need for repairs to extend the bridge’s lifespan. Built in 1912 to facilitate electric train transport to a coal mine, the Dawson Bridge has since transformed into a vital roadway connecting the Riverdale and Forest Heights neighborhoods for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

To minimize traffic disruption, the construction schedule has been coordinated with other significant projects, including the Low Level Bridge rehabilitation and the Wellington Bridge replacement. A large barge will be deployed on the North Saskatchewan River to assist with work on the bridge piers, allowing essential repairs while keeping traffic flowing.

The City of Edmonton urges all river valley users to steer clear of the construction zone and the barge during this time. The Dawson Bridge is not only a crucial infrastructure component but also holds historical significance, listed on both the City of Edmonton’s Register of Historic Resources and the Alberta Historic Resources Management Branch.

Stay tuned for further updates as the rehabilitation project progresses. For more information, visit the City of Edmonton’s official website.