Lights on Banff’s new pedestrian bridge across the Bow River will be turned off at night.
The Town of Banff installed a timing system last week, which means lights on the bridge will now shut off at 11 p.m. and turn back on at 5 a.m.
Up until now, the lights have been on all night long.
“The Town has been adjusting lighting levels all along trying to find the right balance,” said Diana Waltmann, the Town of Banff’s communications manager.
“The number of users is very low during the night and we’re trying to find that balance between providing crossing for people, but not impacting the neighbouring residents.”
The bridge will not be officially closed at night, but the municipality advises people to use the nearby vehicle bridge, which is well lit with heritage globe lights.
The nearby trail system leading to the pedestrian bridge has no lighting system.
“If people want to cross at night, then they should use the vehicle bridge if the lights are turned off on the pedestrian bridge,” said Waltmann.
“This a trial, so feedback from people is welcome.”