Reconciliation Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reconciliation Bridge |
|
|---|---|
Reconciliation Bridge in 2010
|
|
| Coordinates | 51°03′00″N 114°03′08″W / 51.04995°N 114.05219°W |
| Carries | Edmonton Trail |
| Crosses | Bow River |
| Locale | Calgary |
| Other name(s) | 4th Street NW Bridge Langevin Bridge (1910-2017) |
| Maintained by | City of Calgary |
| Characteristics | |
| Material | Steel and Concrete |
| Number of spans | 2 |
| History | |
| Construction end | 1909 |
| Opened | 1910 |
The Reconciliation Bridge is an important bridge in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It used to be called the Langevin Bridge. This bridge connects downtown Calgary with communities like Bridgeland and Crescent Heights. It crosses the Bow River and is a key part of the city's transportation.
The bridge is also part of the Bow River pathway system. This pathway is popular for walking and biking.
On January 23, 2017, the Calgary city council voted to change the bridge's name. It was renamed from Langevin Bridge to Reconciliation Bridge.
Bridge History and Renaming
The Reconciliation Bridge first opened in 1910. It was originally named after Sir Hector-Louis Langevin. He was one of the important people known as the Fathers of the Canadian Confederation. These leaders helped create Canada as a country.
The original part of the bridge carries traffic heading south on 4th Street. In 1972, a second part of the bridge was built. This part carries traffic heading north on 5th Street, also known as Edmonton Trail NE. Both parts of the bridge were once called the Langevin Bridge.
Lights on the Bridge
In 2009, special lights were added to the bridge. These lights are made of 5,600 small LED lights. They can be programmed to show different colors and patterns. The lights were installed to help make the Downtown East Village area more lively. They are part of a bigger project called the RiverWalk. This project aims to improve the pathways along the Bow and Elbow rivers near the East Village.
Why the Name Changed
The bridge's name was changed after a vote by the Calgary city council. This vote happened on Monday, January 23, 2017. The new name, Reconciliation Bridge, was chosen to promote reconciliation. Reconciliation means working to build better relationships between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians. A special ceremony was held on May 26, 2018, to officially rename the bridge.
