A pedestrian/cycling bridge over Highway 1 got a step closer to reality Monday after council gave staff the go-ahead to organize a public information meeting on the proposed new structure.
The city has received $1 million funding from the provincial government for the project, which would create bike lines along Salton Road, and add an overpass to connect the road’s two sections east and north of Highway 1, and just east of McCallum Road.
The overpass would provide a safer pedestrian and cycling link between the two areas of Abbotsford bisected by the highway, said Mayor Henry Braun. The project is also seen as an important link between the University of the Fraser Valley and the core of Abbotsford.
The overpass was projected to cost $5.75 million, but staff now believe it can be built for $3.9 million after proceeding with a simpler design. The project has been included in the city’s 2017-2021 financial plan.
With approval by council, staff will now move to set up a public information meeting in 2017. A date has not been set.
The first phase would include a 2.6-metre bike lane along Salton Road, to be expanded to four metres later as development of the area proceeds.
The bridge will be four metres wide. A sidewalk would also be added to the east side of the road.
