Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson has addressed community confusion following the recent announcement of a feasibility study to explore the addition of bike lanes and cantilevered sidewalks on both sides of Nelson’s Big Orange Bridge.
The announcement left local cycling advocates wondering how the province identified the need for this on that specific bridge and where it would connect to.
Anderson said she’s been working towards developing an active transportation network on the Big Orange Bridge for several years, stating that the need was identified when she was serving on Nelson City Council.
“I’ve been pushing hard for active transportation routes in our region, and we’ve definitely heard from the community that they want to feel safer when they’re cycling on the bridge. So I think that with this feasibility study, we’re one step closer to that.”
When she was elected to Nelson City Council, Anderson was involved in reactivating the city’s active transportation plan, which saw the city’s first active transportation cycling network built on 3rd Street in Fairview.
If the feasibility study determines bike and pedestrian lanes could be added to the bridge, Anderson said the infrastructure would connect with the 3rd Street bike route, near Dairy Queen.
The study will begin soon, although Anderson couldn’t provide an exact timeline on when and how long it will take.
“The feasibility study should start shortly here, but I’m not exactly sure how long it will take. If there were some structural issues, that would be something that could prevent it from moving forward. But the Minister of Transportation has been looking at this, so they do believe that it’s feasible. The next step, in determining how we can best do this, is the feasibility study.”
The study is being funded through the Ministry of Transportation, which is splitting $85 million between 11 active transportation projects in the province.
Vista Radio asked how much of the funds have been allocated for this study and is still waiting for a response.
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