Just days before the city closes one lane on the Burrard Bridge to car traffic to create a bike lane as part of trial project, Mayor Gregor Robertson is doing his best to make everyone happy. Robertson is supporting a proposal to build a bike and pedestrian bridge across False Creek at a cost of $45 Million.
The proposed 15-metre-wide suspension bridge would cross the entrance to False Creek just west of Burrard Street, linking Kitsilano at Vanier Park with the West End at Sunset Beach. Apparently architect Gregory Henriquez (of Woodward’s fame) presented the plan to the mayor after the two talked about the idea a few months ago.
Robertson plans to include a vote on the idea during a referendum in the next civic election and is expecting the federal and provincial governments to help with funding.
Councillor Suzanne Anton thinks the new bridge proposal is the mayor’s way of diverting attention from the controversial bike lane trial. The councillor also said she questions the accuracy of the $45-million price tag for the new bridge, saying it would be at least double that. She said she still believes the best idea is to widen the sidewalks on the existing Burrard Bridge.
Pretty cool looking bridge though. 😉
