Construction on the $2.7-million redesign for the Laurie Boyd pedestrian bridge has started. The redesign will widen the bridge for greater pedestrian and bicycle traffic use as well as allow for emergency vehicle access if needed. Passersby seem open to the redesign despite the pretty price tag. “I think just about any public project that benefits the whole town is going to cost millions… when you have a big, steel bridge stretching across like that there’s going to be a lot of construction costs,” said James Anderson. Anderson said he and his wife, Haidee, have been challenged by the narrowness of the bridge on several occasions - especially when walking their dog. “Our dog is pretty well behaved, but if another dog isn’t, it can be a challenge,” Anderson said. “And if there’s a bicycle or scooter or skateboard - it’s wide enough really for one person.” At present, it is difficult for pedestrians to cross the bridge if they are walking side-by-side or approaching another pedestrian, cyclist, or someone using a stroller coming from the other direction. Lisa Rutten has also found the bridge occasionally too narrow to share but is unsure about the necessity of the construction. “On first blush, that seems like a lot of money to me,” she said. “It looks really nice as it is, but if there is any type of concern around its safety then clearly it’s important for the Town to put money into it.” 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. Okotoks’ Jirlinda Gracia and Edmontonian Robert Lauzon said they noticed the narrowness along with the bridge wiggling back on forth when they walk. Lauzon said he thinks the redesign would be worth the money. “It’s a beautiful area - it goes into the park and along the river. But I don’t live here, so I don’t know if they’ll justify the money being worth it,” he said. Tanner Potaka, who does live in Okotoks, said he is not opposed to bridge upgrades because of its history in Okotoks. “I grew up here and it’s something I’ve always been used to having… I think it would be good to have,” said Potaka. 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. 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.
