The Bertram Pedestrian Overpass: Connecting Kelowna with Community and Purpose
- Communications Entuitive
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The Bertram Pedestrian Overpass in downtown Kelowna demonstrates how thoughtful design and collaboration can elevate urban infrastructure. As the prime consultant, Entuitive partnered with the City of Kelowna and a multidisciplinary team to deliver a bridge that connects the community, prioritizes accessibility, and adds a vibrant new feature to the city’s landscape.
We spoke with Gerd Birkle, Senior Associate, to learn more about the creative solutions and collaborative approach that brought this project to life.
ENtuitive: Thanks for speaking with us, Gerd. Can you tell us more about the project?
Gerd: Absolutely. The Bertram Pedestrian Overpass is a multi-use bridge that creates a safe, accessible connection over Highway 97 at Bertram Street for people walking, biking, and rolling. Entuitive led the bridge design in a design-build partnership with Bird Construction, focusing on delivering a project that would serve the community for years to come.
EN: This project has quite a history. How did it get started?
Gerd: The City of Kelowna had envisioned a bridge at Bertram Street for many years. Through a collaborative budgeting process, the city, contractor, and designers worked together to develop a plan that would meet the community’s needs and stay within budget. The project evolved through different delivery models, always with a focus on open communication and practical solutions.
EN: How did collaboration influence the final result? Gerd: Collaboration was essential throughout the project. By prioritizing local fabrication, the team not only supported the regional economy but also ensured efficient construction.
DUB Architecture focused on aesthetics and detailing, while SMP Engineering delivered the award-winning lighting design. Bunt & Associates Engineering managed traffic planning, and Fletcher provided geotechnical expertise. Align took care of civil works and site grading, and Binnies oversaw stormwater management and underground utilities.
EN: Were there any technical innovations that made a difference? Gerd: Fletcher introduced the use of stone columns for soil improvement, which allowed most of the bridge to be built on spread footings. This innovative approach helped keep the project cost-effective. The design was tailored for local manufacturers, using haunched steel girders, a steel bracing, and precast panels, making fabrication and assembly smooth and competitive.
EN: What was the most interesting challenge you faced?
Gerd: Designing the ramp within a tight urban footprint was a fascinating puzzle. One side needed to land on a parkade and the other to cross a busy road, all while meeting the city’s requirement for a fully accessible ramp with a maximum 5 percent slope. The solution, a ramp that starts beneath itself and uses semicircular turns to reach the required elevation, showcases the project’s commitment to accessibility. Coordinating with the parkade owner and ensuring compatibility added another layer of complexity.
EN: What did you enjoy most about working on the project? Gerd: Visiting the site and collaborating directly with the contractor provided valuable insights. The feedback loop between design and construction allowed for real-time adjustments and learning. This was Entuitive’s first full pedestrian bridge in the western market, and it was rewarding to see the project come together.
EN: The lighting also seems to be a special feature. Can you tell us more? Gerd: The bridge’s programmable lighting brings a dynamic and colourful presence to downtown Kelowna. With millions of possible colors and monthly lighting programs, the bridge creates a welcoming atmosphere and has quickly become a community landmark. Investing in lighting and aesthetics elevated the project and made it a source of pride for the city.
EN: And if you had to share one big takeaway?
Gerd: A consistent team and strong owner engagement are key to project success. Focusing on aesthetics and tailoring design solutions to local capabilities and budgets can transform infrastructure into something truly special. Building with the community in mind ensures the final result is both functional and appreciated.
Connect with Entuitive to learn more about bridge construction and engineering.
