Council voted Monday to ask the province to fund two projects to improve the city’s bike and pedestrian infrastructure, including an overpass over Highway 1.
The city will ask for provincial funding for a cycle path on Salton Road and a cycling/pedestrian overpass over the highway. The cost is billed at $5.75 million, and the city is seeking the funds through the province’s BikeBC program, which is providing $6 million in funding to communities this year.
The city says the project would augment its UDistrict Neighbourhood Plan and create a better link between the area and the rest of Abbotsford. Alternately, the city also suggested it would be amenable to funds for a cheaper version of the project, without a separated cycle path on Salton, which would cost $4.9 million.
The city also asked for funding for a pedestrian/bike light at Valley Road and Highway 11 that would connect two major segments of the Discovery Trail.
A staff report suggested a light, along with road improvements, a pedestrian rail crossing, and a 30-metre wooden boardwalk would provide better access to Willband Creek Park and improve the trail for users.