Calgary,
21
December
2019
|
10:30
America/Denver

Jaipur Bridge closed after recent inspection showed deterioration

Follow-up inspection planned for next week

Calgary – The City has closed the Jaipur Bridge, which is the primary south connection between the Eau Claire area and Prince's Island Park. The decision was made after a recent inspection revealed accelerated deterioration of the bridge from water and salt.

Jaipur Bridge has been inspected annually since 2012 due to its progressive deterioration. Two inspections were undertaken in February and December to monitor the structural condition. Based on the latest inspection, carried out this month, there are concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge.

“Next week, we are going to have a third-party engineering consultant inspect the bridge. From that assessment, we will determine what can be done to safely extend the use of the bridge until its scheduled closure in August,” says Charmaine Buhler, Bridge Maintenance Manager at Roads.

The Jaipur Bridge was built in 1968 and is currently in year 52 of operation of its anticipated 50-year design-life. As a result, the decision was previously made to close the bridge for demolition in August 2020 and build a new bridge in 2021.

Out of an abundance of caution, City structural engineers recommended the immediate closure of the bridge ahead of the third-party inspection next week.

In the meantime, three of four crossings into Prince’s Island Park will remain open. Detours are being put in place, and maps will be on-site with alternate access routes.

“We recognize this is an inconvenience to the public and local businesses,” says Buhler. “We thank them for their understanding as we work through potential solutions. We will update Calgarians as we learn more.”

New Jaipur Bridge

The City is currently in the design phase for the new Jaipur Bridge with construction expected to begin next year.

“Citizen feedback on the recommended bridge type at a recent open house lead us to re-visit the design criteria,” says Katherine Hikita, Senior Structural Engineer, Transportation Infrastructure. “We want to make sure we’re making the right decisions today for the future of the bridge and Prince’s Island Park.”

The City will present the revised Jaipur Bridge design to the Calgary Planning Commission along with the Eau Claire Promenade and Plaza projects in 2020. For more information, visit the Jaipur Bridge project webpage.

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