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"Why can't the planning department work better in
co-ordination with the construction projects, such as
the 85th Street bridge and the bridge over the railroad crossing?
Why couldn't that have been done in one year?" |
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To answer the question posed regarding current construction
on the two bridges on 85 St. N.W., one over the Bow River and
the second over the C.P. railway line, this brief introduction
provides some background information on the original rehabilitation
project.
During spring 2004 the City of Calgary engaged a private
consulting firm and a private contractor to proceed with
the necessary rehabilitation work on the 85th Street/Bow
River bridge. However, a very serious failure of the new
walkway on the west side of the Bow River bridge occurred
in early fall of 2004. As a result rehabilitation work
was not completed until the spring of 2005. A new budget
approval had to be in place for the further work on the
second bridge over the CP railway line.
On June 28, 2007 the City of Calgary issued a new contract
for work on the 85 Street N.W./Bow River bridge and the
bridge over the CPR rail line. A one-way detour was put
in place to keep some traffic flowing and minimize
disruption to commuters. The City decided to use this
opportunity and available budget to advance planned
work on the 85th St NW CPR Bridge. Thus detour delays
are minimized and the City can avoid having to return
again in a few years. It should be noted that the current
work on the Bow River bridge is repair and railing
replacement work, not previously started.
The CPR Bridge rehabilitation will preserve and
extend the life of the infrastructure. Also,
the improvements to the pedestrian sidewalk will
enhance the safety and mobility of pedestrians,
cyclists and other users who access the bridge's
sidewalk and connecting pathways.
Construction costs are estimated at $1.7 million.
This is being funded by The City of Calgary's five
cents per litre share under the Fuel Tax Agreement
between The City and the Provincial Government. The
85 Street Bridge over Scenic Bow Road/CPR and 85
Street N.W./Bow River Bridge carries approximately
16,000 vehicles per day.
For up to date information regarding avoiding delays
users can refer to the City's Web site at
www.calgary.ca/detours.
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