Construction on the $2.7-million redesign for the Laurie Boyd pedestrian bridge will start on Monday weather permitting. The bridge will remain open for the majority of the construction, however, some parking stalls will be blocked temporarily in the Okotoks Library/municipal lot. Parking is available by Ethel Tucker Park. Also, users of the pathway behind the library will be detoured to the trail located at the south end of the parking lot, drivers should be careful when parking as there will be construction traffic and pedestrians using the lot as well. Watch for pathway closure, detour and other construction signage and use caution while in the area. The redesign will widen the bridge for greater pedestrian and bicycle traffic use as well as allow for emergency vehicle access if needed. At present, it is difficult for pedestrians to cross the bridge if they are walking side-by-side or if approaching another pedestrian, cyclist or someone using a stroller coming from the other direction. The widening of the bridge is part of an Okotoks transportation plan to improve walkability to the Sheep River and the downtown core. Other redesigns included the widening of Veterans Way sidewalks in 2017.
