The federal government has announced plans to invest $775,000 for the preliminary planning of a new footbridge that will run across the Rideau River, connecting Carleton and Vincent Massey Park.
The preliminary planning will provide an estimate of the cost of the bridge and when and how it will be built, according to an article published in Metro Ottawa. Additionally, it will look at how a new bridge may improve the Trillium Line’s Carleton station, as well as cycling and walking stations in Ottawa.
Currently there are no direct walking or cycling routes over the Rideau River. The only ways across are by train or by detouring to Hogs Back Lockstation or using the Dunbar Bridge on Bronson Avenue.
“For many years, the need for a safer and more attractive cycling/pedestrian alternative to the Dunbar Bridge has been identified,” said David Chernushenko, city councillor for Capital Ward, in an email. “Walking and riding on the Airport Parkway and this section of Bronson is intimidating.”
The plans for the footbridge are part of Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) expansion project, according to Chernushenko. There are already plans to rehabilitate the O-Train tracks which runs across the Rideau River, and the footbridge would be built alongside the existing project.
“With the improvements to the O-Train Trillium Line comes an opportunity to explore ways in which each station can be more accessible by active means like walking and cycling,” Chernushenko said.
The Ontario Government is investing over $1 billion toward the LRT expansion, which is Ottawa’s largest provincial transit investment in history.
“All members of the community at large would benefit from being able to walk [or] ride to and from the Carleton station,” Chernushenko said.
He said the footbridge would encourage physical activity and reduce car dependency, greenhouse gas emissions, and congestion on Bronson Avenue and Carleton’s campus.
Chernushenko added the bridge would improve the safety those who currently walk and cycle on the Dunbar Bridge and connecting roads.
Some students attending Carleton have expressed interest in the possibility for a new footbridge.
“I feel like the bridge would be one more thing that would encourage people to go outside and experience Ottawa differently,” said Olivia Stavretis, a third-year criminology student. “I would use the bridge simply because it’s new and gives me an excuse to explore.”
Robin Evans, a fourth-year music student, agreed.
“I think the bridge is a good idea because it would be another method for people to cross the river and it would be more peaceful as people wouldn’t worry about traffic,” he said. “I would use the bridge if I wanted the exercise instead of using the train.”
Chernushenko said he thinks the bridge will receive extensive use from students, as it will reduce the frustration involved with driving on congested roads and eliminate the costs and challenges involved with parking on campus and surrounding areas for people who chose to cycle.
