The Buntzen Lake Suspension Bridge crosses the narrow channel between Buntzen Lake and McCombe Lake at the north end of Buntzen Lake. You can see its location HERE. If you are walking clockwise around the Buntzen Lake Loop, with the west side of the lake first, you have completed roughly 60% of the loop when you reach the bridge.
The Current Suspension Bridge
BC Hydro closed the suspension bridge for replacement on 19 September 2022. The work was originally expected to be completed in early November, but the project took considerably longer than planned. The new suspension bridge opened to the public on 28 April 2023.
The replacement is a much more substantial steel structure than the original bridge, with steel towers and framing, main suspension cables, vertical suspender cables, mesh sides, handrails, and a metal-grating deck. It is also noticeably more rigid underfoot than the old bridge.
Below is a side view of the current Buntzen Lake Suspension Bridge:
Below is a view looking straight down the centre of the bridge:
The photo below shows one of the bridge’s vertical suspender cable connections. The cable terminates in a clevis-style fitting that is pinned to a welded lug on the steel bridge frame.
The Original 1992 Suspension Bridge
The original Buntzen Lake Suspension Bridge was approximately 50 m long and officially opened on 5 June 1992. It was designed by Siefken Engineering and constructed by C.F.S.M.E. – QL3-9105 (F) Field Engineer, CFB Chilliwack. It remained in service for more than 30 years before being replaced.
One interesting feature of the old bridge was a sign stating a maximum of four people were permitted on the bridge at one time. The old bridge also moved considerably more than the replacement. I often saw dogs hesitate partway across, stop in their tracks, or even turn around once the bridge started to sway.
Below is a close-up of a bolt and suspension cable on the original bridge:
Below are the west anchors for the original suspension bridge:
And below is a photo of me on the original bridge:
