A year after first opening, the Salton Road pedestrian and cycling bridge has seen more than 12,000 crossings – about 150 crossings each day – over the winter, according to new figures.
The bridge was opened last January. It had been expected to cost $4.61 million. Money from the provincial government and federal governments paid for the bulk of the cost of the bridge, along with bike lanes along Salton.
In November, a counter was installed on the bridge.
Between Nov. 8 and Jan. 27, 12,414 crossings were recorded. More than 11,000 of those – about 90 per cent of all crossings – were by foot. A little over 1,000 bicycle crossings took place.
Mayor Henry Braun said he was pleased with the use of the bridge, particularly because the crossings were recorded in winter and included days in which the weather was likely to deter many pedestrians and cyclists.
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“I was pleased,” he said. “I remember when the bridge went up there were people on social media [who said] there were 10 people a month who would use it.”
Braun said he expects usage to increase as the weather improves.
“I suspect we’ll see a much bigger number come spring, summer and fall.”
He said development south of the highway near the University of the Fraser Valley – where more than 500 homes are now being built – will also lead to more people using the pedestrian and bike bridge.
“All and all, I’m pleased, and I think once we get some wayfinding …. ” he said.
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