Bridging History and Infrastructure: Ross River Suspension Bridge

Funding provided through the New Building Canada Fund (no longer active)

Overstretching the Pelly River in the Yukon Territory is the Ross River suspension bridge. Built in 1943 during World War II as a critical component of the Canol Pipeline system, designed to ensure a supply of oil for the defense of North America’s Pacific Coast, the iconic suspension bridge was a highly regarded piece of history and had weathered the test of time.

The suspension bridge and its legacy took a dramatic turn in 2013 when a inspection revealed that the 70-year-old bridge was on the brink of failure, necessitating immediate action. The looming possibility of demolition threatened to erase the bridge and its longstanding community significance. However, the public’s response prompted an initiative to salvage and rejuvenate this important piece of wartime infrastructure.

Through the combined effort of the Government of Canada and the Government of Yukon, the bridge was on its way back to life. The first phase of repairs focused on stabilizing the north and south towers, laying the foundation for the comprehensive revitalization that followed. The subsequent phase required additional patience, support, and funding to ensure the bridge’s safety and longevity. The installation of new stairs, cables, anchors, decking, and a chain link fence on the bridge’s railings completed the process of transforming this once fragile and dangerous structure into a secure and safe pathway across the Pelly River once again.

However, the significance of this infrastructure project goes beyond the physical structure itself. The suspension bridge offers the community of Ross River a new and improved active transportation method, inviting residents and visitors to explore the Pelly River area while fostering a healthier, more connected way of life. Public active transportation infrastructure like the Ross River bridge connects community members and support sustainable community growth and prosperity.

The Ross River suspension bridge reopened to locals and visitors in the Summer of 2018. A testament of the unwavering spirit that defines Ross River - a community that, against all odds, bridged the gap between preserving the past and paving the way to a brighter future.

For more information, visit:

• Housing and Infrastructure Project Map 
• Governments of Canada and Yukon invest in the Ross River suspension bridge

Quick facts:

• An inspection of the 70-year-old bridge in 2013 revealed that the structure was at imminent risk of failure.
• The first phase of repairs to the bridge included stabilizing the structure, including the north and south towers, at a cost of $1.5 million.
• The second phase of repairs, including design, cost $4.3 million. The work was completed in early May 2018.