Edmonton drivers are being advised to plan for significant detours this weekend as the city has scheduled a complete closure of the Low Level Bridge. The shutdown is set to begin on the morning of Saturday, December 6, 2025, and will last through the entire weekend.
Details of the Closure and Impact
The full closure will affect all vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist traffic crossing the North Saskatchewan River via this key corridor. City officials confirmed the closure is necessary for essential maintenance work that cannot be performed safely while the bridge remains open to the public. While the specific nature of the maintenance was not detailed in the initial announcement, such closures are typically for structural inspections, repairs, or upgrades to bridge components.
Commuters and residents who regularly use the bridge to connect between neighborhoods such as Strathcona and the downtown core will need to seek alternative routes. The nearby James MacDonald Bridge, along with the Walterdale Bridge and the Dawson Bridge, are expected to experience increased traffic volumes as a result.
Planning Ahead for Commuters
Transportation authorities are urging the public to factor in extra travel time for any journeys that would normally involve the Low Level Bridge. The recommendation is to check real-time traffic apps before departing and to consider public transit options where possible to avoid congestion on detour routes.
This planned infrastructure work highlights the ongoing cycle of maintenance required to keep Edmonton's aging bridge network safe and operational. The city often schedules such intensive projects on weekends to minimize disruption to the weekday commute of thousands of residents.
The bridge is anticipated to reopen in time for the Monday morning rush hour on December 8, 2025. The City of Edmonton will provide updates if the work is completed ahead of schedule or if any unforeseen delays extend the closure period.
