(Cochrane, AB) – Starting July 2025, Cochrane’s historic River Avenue Bridge will close to vehicle traffic and become a dedicated pedestrian and active transportation corridor. This change enhances community safety and maintains connection across the Bow River.
Prompted by the development at the western-end of Riviera, the Town of Cochrane requested the developer transition the current gravel Emergency Access Road to a legal roadway, allowing both emergency and regular vehicle traffic full access to the properties along River Heights Rise via Riviera Way. Previously, the River Avenue Bridge was the only access route to several properties on River Heights Rise, which, due to the narrow width and weight limitations of the bridge, limited access for some emergency vehicles.
“Ensuring reliable emergency access to all properties south of the river was the main motivation for this change," says Drew Hyndman, Executive Director of Development and Infrastructure services, Town of Cochrane. "Working with the developer in the area provided the opportunity to also create a safer space to navigate the pathway network, reduce wear and tear on the bridge and support future community uses of the bridge."
While regular vehicle access will be restricted, the bridge will remain fully accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter users and emergency and maintenance services through a secure, controlled gate system.
Public vehicle access to River Heights Rise will be redirected via Riviera Way beginning July 2025. For updates and project details, visit cochrane.ca/riveravenuebridge2025.