Bridges of Golden BC

By Golden BC Museum | 4 March 2025

Bridges of Golden, BC

Golden, BC is in the midst of a major transformation as construction continues on a new traffic bridge over the Kicking Horse River. After a winter hiatus, work has resumed, and this project promises to reshape the downtown core. The Kicking Horse River runs through the heart of Golden, dividing it into North and South, so reliable crossings have always been essential.

Traffic Bridge on the Kootenay Road, Golden, BC – McCord University MP-1993.6.6.49

Early Crossings (1884-1886): The earliest bridges in Golden date back to around 1884 or 1885, with the first permanent bridge established in 1886. Built on wooden piers, this early structure struggled against high water and ice flows, ultimately proving insufficient.

Second Traffic over the Kicking Horse, more elevated but still being impacted by the Kicking Horse River. Photo credit Golden Museum and Archives P0315.

The Second Bridge (1897): In 1897, a new bridge was built to serve both vehicle traffic and the Columbia River Lumber Company, allowing for the transport of lumber and railroad ties. It also featured railway tracks for shunting train cars. However, construction quality was poor, and pedestrians had to rely on a hastily added footpath. Traffic delays were common, as train operations often blocked the bridge.

The plans for the 1914 bridge. – image from the Golden Museum.

The Third Bridge (1914-1915): Construction on a third bridge began in late 1914 under Superintendent E. Trimble. Built slightly upriver, it was 385 feet long and 19 feet wide, costing $12,000. However, narrow walking paths and poorly designed approaches made the bridge unpopular. Despite these challenges, it remained in use until severe flooding in 1916 caused significant damage.

1915 – the completed bridge. You can see the old bridge is still standing to the left in the picture and to the right of the Imperial Bank. Photo credit Golden Museum and Archives P0322

Post-War Wooden Bridge (1919): After the 1916 floods, a new wooden bridge was constructed in 1919, spanning both the Kicking Horse River and the overflow. Built in an era of material shortages following World War I, this bridge surprisingly held up for 30 years.

The old wooden bridge built after World War I to the left and the new steel bridge built in 1952 to the right. Photo credit Golden Museum and Archives P4793

The Steel Bridge (1952): In 1952, a steel bridge replaced the wooden structure, offering a sturdier and more modern crossing.

A New Chapter (2024-Present): Today, a new bridge is under construction in a similar location to the 1914 structure. This modern bridge will span the entire river, ensuring safe and reliable crossings for years to come.

Golden’s bridges have always been a vital part of the town’s history and development, evolving to meet the needs of the community. The latest addition will undoubtedly leave its mark on the town’s landscape.

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