Region seeking input on Kitchener pedestrian bridge

KITCHENER — Learn more about a pedestrian bridge proposed for Kitchener and offer input at a public consultation centre on Thursday.

The estimated construction cost is $7.6 million for the multi-use bridge over Highway 7/8 between Chandler Drive and Avalon Place, near the Chandler-Mowat neighbourhood. The bridge has been recommended by regional staff.

The Region of Waterloo is hosting the public consultation event at the Grand River Transit building at 85 Chandler Dr. in Kitchener from 5 to 8 p.m.

In addition to the bridge, ramp and stairs, the project will include lighting across the bridge, new landscaping to enhance the entrance at each end of the bridge, and a new cycling connection along Strasburg Road from the bridge ramp to the Ottawa Street intersection.

Residents will be able to see three potential crossing locations for the bridge identified by the project team, along with three bridge type alternatives.

The preferred option is locating the bridge at the end of Southmoor Drive with straight ramps and stairs at each end, which would maximize the number of homes located within 450 metres of a transit stop.

The purpose of the bridge is to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, and access to transit services. When transit service was restructured in fall 2015, a portion of the neighbourhood around Avalon Place no longer had access to a bus stop within 450 metres.

Public comments will be considered when developing a recommended design for the project, which will then go to the region’s planning and works committee early next year for endorsement.

Find out more at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/discoveringtheregion/parkstrails.asp.