This week a notice was sent out to residents from Stage 2 regarding the closure and removal of the current Woodroffe pedestrian bridge before the new one is installed. Like many Bay Ward residents I am not happy about this announcement and have raised my concerns with Senior city staff. My request is to keep the original bridge open until the school year ends in June so that students may continue to have access to this route. In addition I met with a Stage 2 LRT traffic specialist and a parent representative for Woodroffe High School this week to review the alternative walking route that would be put in place during the closure. The new route created is paved and is approximately 500 metres increase in travel. Bikes will have to dismount on the sidewalk portion of the route. This is not ideal but I will continue to work with KEV and the Stage 2 department to ensure the route is as safe as possible.
In speaking with the Stage 2 office they have informed me that they are currently reviewing what temporary safety measures can be implemented to best support pedestrian and cyclists. The Stage 2 office met with the contractor on Thursday morning to investigate a number of options to maintain both cycling and pedestrian facilities on the Carling section of the detour. I have communicated the importance of this feature to the contractor as well as the timeline required for a solution. I hope to have an update for the community soon.
