The Province has opened comments for a new pedestrian bridge linking the under-construction Redbridge development to the District’s trail system at the Squamish Adventure Inn and near the Narwals Icecream shop.
The proposed active transportation (AT) bridge will connect residents south of the Mamquam Blind Channel, including Valleycliffe, Hospital Hill, and Squamish Nation, to Downtown Squamish and the trail network that extends to Garibaldi Estates and Brackendale.
The bridge is part of the Land Development Agreement between the District and Kingswood Crescent Developments, the developer of the Redbridge project. The developer will build the bridge at approximately 75 meters in length and 5 meters in width, but it will be owned and maintained by the District.
“This bridge has been in the works since the initial designs of the Redbridge development in 2014,” notes a report to the Province, adding that its location and design have been modified over the years to reduce environmental impact on the Mamquam Blind Channel.
There is a lack of a safe, direct pedestrian route from the south side of the channel to the north. Those going downtown must use the Highway 99 bridge, where sidewalks are narrow and unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Without a safe, active transportation connection, residents from these communities are forced to walk via Highway 99. Sidewalks along the highway do not allow for two-way bicycle traffic, and winter conditions often make the route inaccessible due to snow,” the report notes.
The new bridge will solve this problem, with a width of four meters to accommodate two-way pedestrian and bicycle traffic, as well as snow-clearing equipment. Construction of the bridge’s northern abutment is scheduled to begin between September 15 and January 31, subject to public input.
Residents can provide feedback during the public consultation period.
Jonathan L says
Waste of money without a one lane each way vehicle bridge.