Dawson Bridge

The Dawson Bridge is being rehabilitated, with construction expected to be completed in summer 2026.

Project Update - Summer 2026

Work continues on the Dawson Bridge Rehabilitation project, with construction anticipated to be complete by the end of summer 2026. Pedestrian sidewalk access will be closed on one side of the bridge for the duration of the project to accommodate construction activities. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the opposite side of the bridge.

Summer Traffic Impacts

Temporary single-lane closures will be required on the Dawson Bridge for approximately two weeks starting June 1. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and controlled by temporary traffic signals on either side of the bridge.

Full bridge closures are scheduled for overnight on the following dates (subject to change): 

  • May 29, 8 pm to May 30, 7 am
  • June 12, 8 pm to June 13, 7 am

Dawson Bridge will be completely closed to all traffic to safely accommodate bridge barrier replacement from: 

  • June 19, 7pm to June 22, 5am
  • June 26, 7pm to June 29, 5am

During this time, please use alternative routes. Delays are expected, particularly during peak travel times. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead using the Traffic Disruptions Map. 

 Transit Impacts

Route 1A/B will be detoured during periods when the bridge is fully closed. On Demand Transit will not be affected.

A courtesy taxi service will be in place when the Dawson Bridge is closed and will provide service outside of the operating hours of On Demand Transit.

The service will travel between the Riverdale On Demand Transit bus stops and the transit hubs at City Centre Mall and Churchill Square.

Find more details at Alerts and Service Impacts.

About the Project 

The Dawson Bridge is a riveted steel through-truss bridge constructed in 1912. The bridge carries vehicles, pedestrians, transit and cyclists across the North Saskatchewan River between the Riverdale and Forest Heights neighbourhoods and is listed on Edmonton’s Inventory of Historic Resources. 

The current rehabilitation project addresses priority repairs identified through bridge condition assessments and will help extend the bridge’s operational life in the near term. 

As part of the City’s long-term bridge renewal program, additional planning and technical analysis will be undertaken in future budget cycles to determine a long-term lifecycle strategy for the bridge. 

Future planning will consider transportation needs, bridge condition, operational requirements and the bridge’s historical significance.