Infrastructure projects are increasingly expected to do more than simply serve a functional purpose—they must also contribute to the architectural identity of a city. The Pickering GO Pedestrian Bridge in Pickering, Canada, demonstrates how innovative design and advanced cladding materials can transform infrastructure into a striking architectural landmark.

Spanning a major transportation corridor, the pedestrian bridge provides a safe connection between the railway station and the city centre while showcasing the design flexibility of Kalzip metal cladding systems.

Crossing a World-Record Bridge

The Pickering GO Pedestrian Bridge has earned global recognition for its impressive scale. At 250 metres in length, the bridge was listed in the 2021 Guinness Book of Records as the longest covered pedestrian bridge in the world.

The structure stretches across six railway tracks and Highway 401, one of the busiest motorways in North America, with 14 lanes of traffic. The project was developed through a collaboration between federal and provincial governments along with the regional transportation agency Metrolinx.

The goal of the project was to provide a direct and safe pedestrian connection from Pickering GO Station in the south to the district north of the highway, which includes a shopping mall and a local college.

What makes the structure visually distinctive is the Kalzip metal cladding, which forms the bridge’s outer shell and gives the structure its flowing, organic appearance. When illuminated at night, the cladding transforms the bridge into a dramatic visual feature visible even from the air.

An Organic Form Using Metal Cladding

Although the bridge spans major infrastructure routes, its form appears almost organic as it winds across Highway 401.

The above-ground tunnel structure is clad with Kalzip standing seam profiles, which create the smooth, curved exterior surface. The standing seam system allows the metal panels to follow the complex curvature of the structure while maintaining the durability and precision associated with Kalzip aluminum systems.

The result is a bridge that blends structural engineering with architectural expression.

Perforated Panels for Light and Visibility

The bridge itself consists of a steel truss structure with a concrete floor and a steel deck roof. For the exterior shell, the design team used Kalzip standing seam profiles 65/305, a system typically used as part of a waterproof building envelope.

In this case, however, the panels were used primarily for visual and architectural effect.

The standing seam panels were convex, curved, and perforated with 6 mm holes spaced 8 mm apart. This perforation serves several purposes:

  • Allows natural daylight to enter the walkway

  • Provides protection from direct sunlight

  • Creates visual transparency with views of Highway 401

  • Enables interior and exterior LED illumination

The perforated cladding gives pedestrians a sense of openness while still providing protection from the elements.

Advanced Technology for Complex Geometry

Because of the bridge’s complex curved shape, traditional fabrication methods would not have been sufficient.

To address this challenge, the steel structure was first scanned using a terrestrial LiDAR sensor, allowing the design team to create a precise digital model of the structure.

Using this data, Kalzip engineers were able to determine how each standing seam profile needed to be bent and cut according to the bridge’s varying curvature.

This digital planning ensured that each section of cladding would align perfectly with the structural geometry.

Construction with Unique Challenges

The bridge spans one of the most heavily travelled motorways in North America, which presented significant construction challenges.

Because Highway 401 could not be fully closed during daytime hours, much of the installation work had to be carried out at night. This allowed the construction team to safely install the cladding system without significantly disrupting traffic.

Kalzip supplied both the raw aluminum material in coils and a mobile roll-forming machine that allowed panels to be fabricated on site. A specialized team produced the standing seam profiles to the required lengths and curvature directly at the construction site.

The installation process also differed from typical standing seam applications. Instead of overlapping at the seams, the panels were attached to the steel frame at slightly varying angles, creating a subtle stepped appearance depending on the viewing angle and section of the bridge.

A Dynamic Architectural Landmark

After nearly ten years from initial planning to completion, the Pickering GO Pedestrian Bridge opened in 2018 and quickly became a recognizable landmark.

The structure’s visual impact becomes especially dramatic after sunset. Around 300 LED lights line the walkway and highlight the bridge’s flowing form.

The lighting system cycles through colours, including:

  • Pale lilac

  • Violet

  • Blue

  • Petrol tones

Combined with the AluPlusPatina-coated aluminum panels and perforated cladding, the lighting effect is visible both inside and outside the bridge, creating a dynamic architectural experience for pedestrians and observers alike.

In recognition of its design and contribution to the city’s built environment, the project received the Urban Design Award from the City of Pickering in 2019.

Kalzip Cladding Systems for Architectural Projects

The Pickering GO Pedestrian Bridge demonstrates how Kalzip standing seam systems can be used to achieve both technical performance and architectural creativity. From complex curved structures to high-performance building envelopes, Kalzip aluminum systems provide flexibility for innovative design solutions.

Exterior Technologies Group (ETG): Your Source for Kalzip Materials

Exterior Technologies Group (ETG) supplies Kalzip products and materials to architects, spec writers, and construction professionals seeking reliable solutions for exterior cladding systems.

Our team works closely with project teams to ensure the right materials are selected to support both design intent and building performance.

Contact ETG for Kalzip Products

If you are considering Kalzip materials for your next project, Exterior Technologies Group can provide product information, technical guidance, and support.

Learn more or contact our team today.