Project Overview
Built in 1909, the original bridge of dreams was a part of the Kettle Valley Railway. When the area was no longer a passageway for trains, the bridge was decommissioned in 1989. The route is now a multi-purpose path on the Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational trail network in the world connecting Canada coast to coast. The new “Bridge of Dreams” replaces the original decommissioned bridge. It is a recreational footbridge spanning the Tulameen River, frequented by local and visiting pedestrians.
The original bridge’s legacy is preserved while reflecting the region’s timberlands; the replacement bridge incorporates existing concrete railway piers and newly fabricated wood components into its design.
Wood Use
Two bridge deck panels were prefabricated off-site and transported to the site for final assembly. The bridge was assembled on-site in one morning. The bridge decks feature glue-laminated timber (glulam) arches and wooden decking. Steel rods connect the deck panels to the glulam arches. The roof of the bridge is made up of an undulating steel roof and solid sawn timber purlins. The exposed timber bridge is a natural complement to the surrounding outdoor environment.