Old Trail Bridge

The Trail Old Bridge

The Old Bridge, decommissioned in 2010, spans the Columbia River from West Trail to East Trail, just downstream from the Trail's newest bridge, the Columbia River Skywalk.  

• Construction began in October 1911.
• The bridge officially opened on May 24, 1912.
• Total cost to construct the bridge was $170,000 and was funded by the Province of British Columbia.
• The bridge was decommissioned in 2010.
• Learn more about the history of the bridge in this document.

Engineering studies and reports of the Old Trail Bridge

In October, 2010, during a routine maintenance inspection, the City's engineering consultants recommended that the Old Trail Bridge be closed. This 100+ year old structure had deteriorated to a point where it was no longer safe for vehicular traffic. 

Buckland & Taylor, a reputable firm that offers 39 years of experience in bridge design, independent checking, evaluation, retrofit, rehabilitation, and construction engineering for bridges of all types, has provided the City a presentation as to why the Old Bridge can't be restored or repaired.  View the presentation.

"Results of the Old Bridge's annual examination clearly indicate the structure cannot be used in any way, shape or form due to severe deterioration. Combined deficiencies to the struts, piers and chord make the use of the old bridge structure, for pedestrians or vehicles, dangerous."
  - Buckland & Taylor Ltd., 2010

• Engineering Department's Report dated October 22, 2010
• State of the Old Bridge

Following the closure in 2010, the City investigated several conceptual plans and cost estimates for a new bridge. Council felt it was important to assess the needs of the community, given the Victoria Street Bridge is now the only crossing of the river and considerable delay, inconvenience and effect on emergency services could be experienced should it ever be closed for any length of time. 

• Engineering Department's Report dated December 9, 2010
• Chief Administrative Officer's Report dated December 15, 2010

A comprehensive public consultation process by City staff was undertaken in the early part of 2011 to provide the public with information and receive input with respect to any possible replacement of the Old Trail Bridge and the associated costs.  

• Bridge Consultation Summary Report dated May 11, 2011

During the public consultation process, numerous questions were raised with respect to the state of the Old Bridge and the costs associated with rehabilitating it versus the costs of replacement options.  The costs in order to realize an additional 10 - 15 year life span for the Old Bridge are estimated in the order of $10 million.

• Engineering Department's Report dated March 24, 2011
• Buckland & Taylor Letter dated October 24, 2014
• Bridge Details - Cost Breakdown

The consultation process showed that although the majority supported replacing the Old Bridge with a new vehicular bridge at an estimated cost of $20 million, they did not support the corresponding property tax increase associated with proceeding.  Accordingly, Trail City Council decided to keep the bridge closed and take no further action with respect to a replacement option at that time.

Construction of the Columbia River Skywalk went to referendum in 2014.  Read more here.