It’s going to be a lot easier and safer by next summer for pedestrians and cyclists using the Old Skeena Bridge and then the eastern end of Lakelse Ave. to get to and from downtown Terrace.
The existing walkway on the old bridge will be widened by bumping out spots along its length so that pedestrians and cyclists can more easily pass each other.
One of the criticisms tied to the walkway is having light standards intrude into its path, narrowing the access for pedestrians and cyclists.
That work is to be undertaken as part of an extensive project to extend the life of the structure which was first opened up in 1925.
The provincial transportation and infrastructure ministry is to ask for bids soon with expectations of choosing a contractor and having work start this spring with a finishing date of next summer.
There’ll be five bumped out sections in all and each will sit over an existing bridge pier.
The prospect of the bump outs grew out of discussions between the City of Terrace and the transportation ministry as a way of improving the experience pedestrians and cyclists within Terrace and area.
“The city requested that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure expand on the pedestrian improvements to take advantage of the long closure and tie into future active transportation improvements on either approach,” said Jonathan Lambert, the city’s engineering and public works director.
Meanwhile the design for a one-kilometre long pathway from the bridge to Apsley just past Twin River Estates is advancing with a goal to a construction start this spring and completion by this November.
It will be three metres wide and replace a narrow and uneven pathway that’s on the north side of Lakelse. Construction is to be financed via a $921,352 provincial grant.
A complete design is expected within a month that’ll form the basis for asking for construction bids and the city is preparing to meet with property owners along the route.