Ongoing Calgarians complaining about pedestrian bridges thread

[MrMastodonFarm]

Bumping this thread for the sole purposes of spamming my pics is cool right?

Seriously though, wanted to share these because I love this bridge and love what a magnet it is for people in the city. It's a cool little spot and such a great addition to Calgary.


Peace Bridge at Night by apeddle1982, on Flickr


Busy night on the bridge by apeddle1982, on Flickr

[Tyler]

I can't believe this thing cost $25 million dollars












What a steal of a deal for such an iconic bridge!

[SebC]

So here's a question for you all, prompted by a discussion I had with a friend: how many "signature bridges" does Calgary have? And which are they (in order)?

[Tyler]

This one is pretty awesome:

[_Q_]

Originally Posted by SebC

So here's a question for you all, prompted by a discussion I had with a friend: how many "signature bridges" does Calgary have? And which are they (in order)?

1. Centre Street Bridge
2. Peace Bridge
3. Langevin Bridge

That's all.

[JD]

Peace Bridge
Centre Street Bridge
10th Street (Louise Bridge, is it?)
Calf Robe Bridge

That's all, at least until the new footbridge at St. Patrick Island is finished. I know they LED'ed the crap out of that Edmonton Trail thing, but it's still ugly as far as I'm concerned.

[Bill Bumface]

Langevin is really a pile of crap that is now cool because we finally kept something old around for a change. I love the lighting they put on it though. That thing sucks for pedestrians/bikes.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Langevin is really a pile of crap that is now cool because we finally kept something old around for a change. I love the lighting they put on it though. That thing sucks for pedestrians/bikes.

Langevin is cool solely because of the lighting, its cool factor has nothing to do with its age. I don't consider it to be a signature bridge though.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Honestly, The Peace Bridge is one of two. The city messed up the Patrick Island bridge and missed a big opportunity to make it number 3.

[octothorp]

I'd say Centre-Street and Peace Bridge are the only two truly signature bridges, with the runner-ups being Louise Bridge, Langevin.

I like the light job on the Langevin, because damn it, with the amount of night time that we get during the winters, having visual interest after 6:00 at night is nice.

I'm also tempted to throw in the flyover, because it's the most visually spectacular approach into downtown and fun to drive, the way you merge off the the right and then swoop across to the left, directly toward the Bow. I feel like a badass every time I take it.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Honestly, The Peace Bridge is one of two. The city messed up the Patrick Island bridge and missed a big opportunity to make it number 3.

I pretty much agree. Centre Street and Peace make the cut for sure, but I'm not sure about the order. I would've put C St first but it seems like Peace might be more iconic (certainly seems that way if you throw "Calgary bridge" into Google Image Search, though that could be just the novelty factor still). I'm on the fence about adding Louise to the group, but Langevin and St. Patrick's Island (when it's done) definitely miss the cut.

[Slava]

I don't disagree with it being centre street and the peace bridge, but how many iconic bridges should there be?

[nik-]

As many as possible. Especially when a new one is being built.

[You Need a Thneed]

I wonder if the city will try for something signature with one or more of the Elbow River bridges that will have to be replaced.

Maybe they are too short and not in a prime enough location to really be signature though.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by nik-

As many as possible. Especially when a new one is being built.

Maybe what I should've asked is how many can be iconic? If every bridge we build is supposed to be iconic, doesn't that make them commonplace?

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Originally Posted by octothorp

I'm also tempted to throw in the flyover, because it's the most visually spectacular approach into downtown and fun to drive, the way you merge off the the right and then swoop across to the left, directly toward the Bow. I feel like a badass every time I take it.

At 50 km/h?

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Slava

Maybe what I should've asked is how many can be iconic? If every bridge we build is supposed to be iconic, doesn't that make them commonplace?

The number is limited by how many bridges can be built, not by what we should aim for in the design. If amazing river crossings in Calgary were commonplace, I'd be all for that.

[_Q_]

I think Langevin bridge should absolutely be on the list because it's become an easily recognisable landmark. Sure it's just a regular boring old bridge (I think the structure itself is beautiful as well, but to each their own), but the lighting treatment that it has received have turned it into a symbol of the city. If a visitor came to Calgary, drove/walked around the downtown for a bit and then told them to meet you at the "bridge with all the colourful lights" they would know what you're talking about. Similarly, if you told them to meet you at "The Giant old bridge with the lions" or "the funky red bridge" they would also know what you're talking about.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Slava

Maybe what I should've asked is how many can be iconic? If every bridge we build is supposed to be iconic, doesn't that make them commonplace?

Does the Peace Bridge diminish the Centre Street Bridge? They may compete for attention but one doesn't take away from the quality of the other.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by SebC

Does the Peace Bridge diminish the Centre Street Bridge? They may compete for attention but one doesn't take away from the quality of the other.

No, its not that they compete. Its that they stand out because we have other "normal" bridges. I like these cool pieces of art/architecture, I just think that not everything needs to be that way. Spread it around a little. Build an iconic overpass, say at 162nd Ave!