In an effort to lower continuing maintenance costs, the City of Calgary will replace the glass on the Peace Bridge with steel tension wires.
In July, a guy who had broken 70 glass windowpanes along the bridge and caused over $1 million in damages was apprehended.
The city did not say how much it will save in a news release on Thursday morning, only that the steel tension cables will “lower costs” for continuing maintenance.
The cost to replace the roof panels was estimated by the city to be at $14,000, compared to an average replacement cost of $10,000 for the railing panels last year.
The city said that Calatrava Architects and Engineers and another nearby architectural firm collaborated with them to find a solution.
According to Charmaine Buhler, bridge maintenance manager, “We know the Peace Bridge is a popular destination for both Calgarians and visitors, so it was crucial for us to come up with a strategy that allows for both an efficient repair and preserves the distinctive design of the bridge.”
As crews labour to install the wires, the city stated that access to the Peace Bridge is still available. The announcement claims that every day throughout the summer, the bridge receives roughly 9,000 people.
“The Peace Bridge has developed into an iconic feature of our skyline during the past ten years. It has regularly been badly vandalised, which has been disappointing and expensive, said Mayor Jyoti Gondek in a statement.
“I received numerous requests for a more workable and long-lasting solution from Calgarians. Replacing the bottom glass panels with durable tension cables will be more cost-effective, all while maintaining the bridge’s unique design.
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The City of Calgary has been contacted by Global News for comment.
Peace Bridge glass will be replaced by steel tension wires by the City of Calgary.
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