Dawson Bridge

The Dawson Bridge is being rehabilitated, with construction underway until spring 2026.

Project Update - November 2025

The Dawson Bridge Rehabilitation project is scheduled to begin in mid-to-late November 2025. This project will address deterioration and ensure the bridge remains a safe and reliable crossing for all users. The rehabilitation is anticipated to be completed by spring 2026.

Construction on the bridge pier scaffolding will be completed using a barge launched on the North Saskatchewan River. Using this method allows for work to occur without impacting traffic crossing the bridge. The City reminds all river valley users in the area to keep clear of the construction zone and off of the barge while this work is underway.

Starting in early 2026, temporary single-lane closures will be required on Dawson Bridge. These closures are expected to last approximately one month. Traffic control measures will be in place to manage traffic.

Pedestrian sidewalk access will be closed on one side of the bridge for the duration of the project to accommodate scaffolding work. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the opposite side of the bridge.

Construction has been scheduled to align with the Low Level Bridge Rehabilitation and the Wellington Bridge Replacement to minimize disruption where possible.

Construction Bulletin

Project Background 

The Dawson Bridge is a five-span riveted steel through-truss structure that carries 2 lanes of traffic over the North Saskatchewan River between the Riverdale and Forest Heights neighbourhoods. The bridge provides an important link that connects the city center to neighbourhoods in the east.

The bridge was originally built in 1912 to carry electric trains to a coal mine on the east bank of the North Saskatchewan River, it was later converted to carry vehicles. The bridge also accommodates significant bike and pedestrian traffic. The bridge is listed in the Register of Historic Resources in Edmonton and Alberta Historic Resources Management Branch.

The Dawson Bridge Rehabilitation project aims to rehabilitate the bridge following recommendations made after the bridge condition was assessed in 2019.