High Level Bridge and Streetcar

by ssquires · February 22, 2017

Come Visit High Level Bridge and Streetcar in Edmonton, Alberta!

High Level Bridge and Streetcar in Edmonton, Alberta The Edmonton Radial Railway Society operates the seasonal High Level Bridge Streetcar route from the Alberta Arts Barn (Gateway Boulevard and 84 Ave) to Jasper Plaza (109 Street and 100 Ave) between May and October each year. We operate primarily on former C.P.R. trackage, however, Strathcona and the High Level Bridge have a long association with streetcars.

In the early hours of the morning of September 2, 1951 Edmonton streetcar #52 made its final trip along 109th Street from 83rd Avenue across the top deck of the High Level Bridge bringing to an end an era that had started with the first streetcar ride on November 8, 1908.

The Edmonton Radial Railway (as the system was known) had become famous throughout the continent because of this unique streetcar ride over the North Saskatchewan River, one of the highest river crossings by streetcar in the world (755 m long and 49 m high). The passengers’ view was both spectacular and exhilarating.

On the occasion of the Centennial of Edmonton’s Public Transportation we added another point of interest for our visitors, a museum in our Strathcona Streetcar Barn at Gateway Boulevard. Its displays include many pictures, the history of Edmonton’s once vanished streetcars, uniforms, tickets, streetcar parts and models.

In the near future the society hopes to extend the tracks across 103 Street (Gateway Blvd) and serve a new terminus north of Whyte Avenue in the heart of Old Strathcona.