Dunvegan Suspension Bridge

Dunvegan Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the Peace River as part of Alberta Highway 2 between the Municipal District of Fairview No. 136 and Saddle Hills County next to the unincorporated community of Dunvegan. It is approximately from the British Columbia border with Fairview to the north and Spirit River to the south. It is the largest and longest suspension bridge in Alberta.

Design

The bridge is made of of steel and of concrete. The design features three spans of cable wire and two towers over two lanes of Alberta Highway 2 with a steel railing. The bridge deck has two yellow-painted steel trusses on either side of the roadway. The bridge is supported by two pillars connected to the towers on either side and two concrete abutments.

History

Prior to the bridge being built, Dunvegan was served by a government installed ferry across the Peace River. The bridge itself was built and opened in 1960. After the opening, the Dunvegan Crossing ferry was moved down to La Crete and served as the Tompkins ferry from 1961 to 1987. This ferry can be seen at the La Crete Mennonite Heritage Village.