The Nancy Pauw Bridge in Banff, Canada, is a pedestrian bridge that spans 80 meters across the Bow River. The bridge connects Central Park to the Banff Recreation Grounds, enhancing the town’s infrastructure by providing a direct pedestrian route between these two key locations. Funded by a private donation from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, the bridge became a reality after more than 100 years of planning.
Key Features of the Bridge Design
The Nancy Pauw Bridge is notable for its use of sustainable materials and innovative engineering. Key aspects of the design include:
- 80-meter clear span achieved through Glulam girders and weathering steel haunches, which provide both strength and visual appeal.
- A slender timber arch that minimizes visual impact while offering unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and the Bow River.
- Sustainable use of Glulam timber, a renewable resource, and weathering steel, which reduces maintenance needs and enhances the bridge’s longevity.
- The bridge features a shallow arch, with a rise-to-span ratio of 1:20, which was an ambitious feat never before attempted using timber.

Material Selection and Sustainability
A key aspect of the Nancy Pauw Bridge’s design is its use of sustainable materials.
- Glulam beams were chosen for their renewable nature and strength.
- Weathering steel was used to reduce maintenance requirements and increase the durability of the structure.
- These materials align with Banff’s environmental values, making the bridge a fitting addition to the natural landscape.
Structural Considerations
Designing a bridge over a glacier-fed river posed unique challenges. The Bow River’s environment is sensitive, and the bridge needed to ensure minimal disruption to the river’s ecosystem. In response, StructureCraft’s engineers used designs that minimize the environmental impact.
- Thrust Hinge System: The bridge was assembled in two halves, each weighing 32,000 kg, which were joined at the central thrust hinge to ensure stability.
- Clear span design was used to minimize environmental impact, ensuring that the river’s ecosystem was undisturbed.
- The foundation relies on large-diameter piles and thick pile caps to stabilize the structure in the river’s dense sedimentary soils.
- Stiffened supports at the ends of the arch were designed to prevent snap-through buckling, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
Extensive engineering analysis was required to ensure that the arch could handle the significant lateral thrust and maintain structural stability.

Construction Process of the Bridge
The construction of the Nancy Pauw Bridge was executed with efficiency and precision.
Prefabrication:
- Bridge sections were fabricated offsite to reduce environmental impact and streamline construction timelines.
- Prefabricated Glulam beams were coated for durability before transportation.
Transportation and Assembly:
- Two 40-meter-long sections, each weighing approximately 32,000 kg, were transported to the construction site.
- The sections were carefully assembled onshore using cranes, ensuring alignment for the final installation.
Connection of Sections:
- The two prefabricated sections were connected using a central thrust hinge, important for distributing loads evenly across the structure.
Onsite Erection:
- The assembled sections were lifted and positioned with cranes to form the bridge’s main span.
- Precision engineering ensured the sections fit seamlessly, minimizing construction delays
The construction process also ensured strict tolerances were maintained, which was important for the structural integrity of the bridge. Despite the complex nature of the design, the deflections during construction were smaller than anticipated, demonstrating the precision of the engineers and construction team.

Environmental Impact and Accessibility
The bridge’s design takes into account the need for environmental protection and accessibility. The bridge’s design considers both environmental protection and accessibility:
- The clear span design ensures minimal disruption to the Bow River’s sensitive ecosystem.
- The shallow arch provides adequate clearance for wildlife to pass freely beneath the bridge.
- The bridge includes minimal slopes and ramps, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.
- The bridge not only serves as a functional crossing but also offers stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, becoming a landmark and contributing to Banff’s social infrastructure.
Integration with Banff’s Landscape
The Nancy Pauw Bridge is carefully integrated into Banff’s landscape, both in terms of design and environmental impact.The bridge’s design integrates carefully with the Banff landscape:
- The slender, graceful arch allows the bridge to blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural environment, without overpowering the Rocky Mountains.
- Lighting design ensures the bridge subtly illuminates at night, creating a visually striking contrast with the mountainous backdrop.

Community Impact
The Nancy Pauw Bridge is not only a functional crossing but also a destination in itself. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, becoming a landmark for both residents and visitors. The bridge contributes to Banff’s social infrastructure by providing a safe, convenient route for pedestrians, enhancing the town’s overall connectivity. During its first summer of use, the bridge attracted over 300,000 visitors, highlighting its popularity and the value it brings to the town.
Conclusion
The Nancy Pauw Bridge is a significant addition to Banff, blending sustainable design with innovative engineering. The bridge’s design blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, enhancing the town’s infrastructure and connectivity for both locals and visitors.
Images-structurecraft.com, designboom.com