Calgary, November 3: The City of Calgary has announced its plan to permanently change the Peace Bridge to protect the iconic structure from vandalism.
Built in 2012, the bridge has been vandalised so frequently that city officials launched a campaign in June aimed at reducing intentional damage.
A month later, 70 of the bridge’s glass windowpanes were shattered.
Since then, the city has been working with local engineers at Santiago Calatrava Architects to devise a permanent fix.
On Thursday, city officials released details on the solution: a railing made of steel tension cables will be built to replace the side glass panels.
“We know the Peace Bridge is a popular destination for both Calgarians and visitors, so it was important for us to come up with a plan that allows for both an efficient repair but also respects the iconic design of the bridge,” said bridge maintenance manager Charmaine Buhler in a news release.
“The change in materials from glass to steel allows us to ensure the Peace Bridge remains safe, durable and easy to maintain in the years to come.”
The changes to the bridge are scheduled to begin in the spring.
Until then, the bridge – which can see up to 9,000 visitors a day in the summer – will remain open to the public.
