Whitemud Creek Archway: A local urban marvel of modern engineering.

Dec 31

Before we hit the highway and explored “No Jack” back in 2019, there was a particular stop that had to happen. I knew of the “Arch” for a while but never thought anything of it - it could be seen in the distance from an adjacent roadway; some ethereal archway below the ring road - a mythical doorway into the wilderness.

This was the first experience in this hobby of following the facts rather than the “urban legends”. I heard from dozens of people it was an uncompleted foot bridge in the ravine, or the city ran out of funds and it sat in this status. All of which are completely fabricated from thin air.

It’s true nature lies in its intention. The archway is one of Edmonton’s only wildlife pathways. With animals down below - the pedestrian bridge above offers a stunning view of the surrounding hill side and; if one travels to the center of said bridge, look up. There is a large iris with the North, South, East, West embossed into it.

The Bridge iteself was completed in 2005, and was an award winning design by three engineering firms. Its unique design will cost less over its life and last longer than your average bridge span - with the ever growing needs of high traffic volume: it can also be widened to accommodate future expansions.

Seeing the arch in person is breathtaking - my photos don’t even scrape the surface of its immense size and proportions.

I’ve Gone back dozens of times with family and friends to revel in its beauty. Some hate the graffiti, some think it adds to the structure. Either way you look at it, its providing a necessary service for the wildlife that we so desperately need to protect, while showcasing to other cities sustainable construction and engineering is possible.