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New walking and biking bridge will span Highway 1 in Abbotsford

Construction soon to begin on Salton Road project
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An artist’s rendering shows the new pedestrian bridge connecting Abbotsford University District with the city’s core, which is slated for completion by August 2018. A new pedestrian bridge connecting Abbotsford University District with the city’s core is slated for completion by August 2018.

There will soon be a new way to bike or walk between Abbotsford’s core and the University District.

Construction is set to begin on a $3.2 million pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting the north and south portions of Salton Road, across Highway 1.

It is planned for completion on Aug. 2, 2018.

The city will also widen Salton on both sides of the highway, adding separated bike lanes, sidewalks and parking, for an estimated $730,000.

The total project will cost an estimated $4.61 million, including road widening, bridge construction and engineering. The province is kicking in $1 million from its BikeBC program.

The project received majority support – 81 per cent – from respondents to its engagement process.

On Monday, Abbotsford city council voted to award the project to Graham Infrastructure LP, which submitted the lowest bid ($3.2 million) in response to the city’s request for proposals for the bridge. The other two competing bids both exceeded $4 million.

A city report notes that the Graham design preserves visibility of a nearby digital billboard and its lack of a centre pier will allow for potential highway widening in the future.

“This project not only connects our residents and neighbourhoods, but it ensures that we continue to realize the vision in the [official community plan] of making walking and cycling delightful,” Mayor Henry Braun said in a statement.

There is a $63,500 budget to design and build ornamental panels on the side of the bridge that will be visible to Highway 1 drivers.

There will be a public consultation process during their design.


@KelvinGawley
kelvin.gawley@abbynews.com

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