OVERVIEW AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT Nathan Stelmach provides an insightful overview of the project, tracing its origins back to 1914 when the original bridge was built by the Alberta government to facilitate transportation across Whitemud Creek. Repurposed as a pedestrian bridge in 1961 and later renamed “Smith Crossing” in 1996, in honour of Robert and Elizabeth Smith and their family—early settlers in the Rabbit Hill area. A part of the old bridge was preserved and is part of an interpretive plaque explaining the Smiths’ contribution to the area, a useful on-site visual tool that ties the old to the new. The replacement of the aging bridge in 2023 marks a significant milestone in Edmonton’s infrastructure evolution. “The Smith Crossing Pedestrian Bridge project is not just about replacing an aging structure; it’s about ensuring continued connectivity and accessibility for our residents,” says Nathan Stelmach, Director of Transportation, Infrastructure and Delivery for the city of Edmonton. “This bridge holds historical significance and serves as a symbol of our commitment to enhancing community infrastructure.” The decision to replace the bridge stemmed from a regular inspection revealing structural deficiencies, prompting the need for a modern, resilient 4
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