Banff, AB – The Bow River Pedestrian Bridge in Banff has won a prestigious, international award for structural engineering. The Institute of Structural Engineering announced Banff took first place in the pedestrian bridge category at a ceremony tonight in London, England.
In selecting Banff, the judges called the bridge dramatic, responding "elegantly and efficiently to its context . . . a beautiful natural setting."
“We are thrilled with this recognition,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. “It reaffirms our opinion that the bridge serves several critical needs in a stunning manner. It truly has become iconic to Banff and I’d like to congratulate staff, StructureCraft and Fast & Epp for their ingenuity, expertise and vision.”
With its 113-metre length, including the 80-metre central span, the Banff pedestrian bridge is among the longest timber bridges in the world. The 130-foot glulam beams are among the largest installed in North America. Specially designed, unique tuned mass dampers control vibrations for both walking and jogging. The bridge carries the sewer and water utility pipes across the Bow River, replacing aging, exposed pipes in the riverbed. It was designed by Fast & Epp. The architects and constructors were StructureCraft.
The pedestrian bridge is the first new crossing of the Bow River in Banff in 90 years, since the vehicle bridge was opened in 1923. It experiences an average of 1,800 crossings daily in summer.
Since 1968, the Structural Awards have recognized innovation and excellence in the field of structural engineering. Banff was shortlisted from over 100 entries from around the world, and won over projects in France and Rwanda.
The pedestrian bridge and principal designer Gerald Epp also won the BC Wood Works Design award for engineering earlier this year.