LRt +15

The plus 15 bridge is the only one in Calgary’s downtown connecting directly to an LRT platform. A new steel and glass shell was designed for an existing bridge structure. The existing bridge was over thirty years old, and needed an updated treatment to accompany the 7 Avenue LRT refurbishment Sturgess was designing. The bridge reused the existing steel girders and decking, and incorporates the steel and glass language of the downtown LRT canopies.

Its appearance is considerably lighter than its predecessor, improving visibility and enhancing the aesthetic. Opportunities for views and access for transit patrons were maximized by keeping the structure above the station as open as possible.

Structural support was kept to a minimum, and the concrete stairs were designed to appear as thin as possible. The steel and glass guard rails do not block views of the platform from either side. The top of the bridge was designed to as a viewing platform over the Park. The expressive geometry of the steel support structure was created with a series of curved ribs which rotate from 90 degrees to 45 degrees, forming the hood at the north edge.