- AT-Network - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

WFP: Portage and Main could be open to pedestrians by fall 2019 (Jun6'18)
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '18

06 Jun '18

PORTAGE AND MAIN *City requests bids for consulting and design for pedestrian traffic* *Intersection could reopen in 2019* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/portage-and-main-484636073.html CITY hall is planning on reopening the Portage and Main intersection to pedestrians by the fall of 2019. The date was disclosed in a request for proposal the city released Tuesday, inviting bids for consulting services for the design and phase-one construction associated with the intersection reopening. While council had approved the project at its October 2017 meeting, no dates were given in an administrative report. The RFP states city hall expects the first barriers to be taken down to allow pedestrians to cross Portage Avenue East, between the Richardson Plaza and the Bank of Montreal. “It is the City’s intent, subject to the findings of the Preliminary Design report resulting from the Services herein, and Council’s adoption of those findings, and/or that report, to proceed with construction to open the Portage Avenue East crossing as Phase 1,” states section D5.2 of the RFP. A later section of the RFP states, “the City is targeting completion of construction of Phase I by the fall of 2019.” At its October meeting, council set aside up to $1.5 million in 2018 for “architectural and engineering services” for the intersection’s reopening. Council approved spending up to $3.5 million on the intersection in 2018. In addition to the $1.5 million for engineering and architectural work, council also approved: $500,000 for new sidewalks, curbs and street trees for the plaza area directly in front of the Richardson Building and $1.5 million to upgrade the underground concourse underneath the tower at 201 Portage Ave. The RFP states this project does not involve any work in the underground concourse. There were two caveats attached to the council approval: the intersection will not be reopened to pedestrians until a report detailing cost estimates and traffic impacts is presented to council; and agreement that the administration will consider the impact a potential north Main Street transit corridor will have on the project. According to the RFP documents, consultants are invited to create “an urban design vision for Portage and Main that provides design direction and unification of the four corners by using an urban design and place making approach to connect people, places and transportation,” and to plan and design “the introduction of at-grade pedestrian crossings at all four legs of Portage and Main, with a final report and drawings for all four crossings, including a recommended construction staging plan, schedule, and Class 3 estimates for each crossing phase.” The RFP states the winning consultant will be responsible for: ● A design framework that will bring about a new image for Portage and Main that recognizes its historical significance as an iconic destination; ● Proposing an improved pedestrian environment without pedestrian barriers that may include trees, pedestrian lighting, way-finding improvements and other streetscaping elements; ● Consulting with applicable Portage and Main building owners or their representatives for alignment of the overall vision and co-ordination with potential works on adjacent private property; ● Participating in a downtown stakeholders meeting to discuss the overall vision; ● Integrating the design of public rights-of-way with the planned redevelopment of the Richardson Plaza; ● Consulting with the Winnipeg Arts Council to explore the possibility of incorporating public art into any or all of the four corners. The RFP also contains a link to a You Tube video, entitled Portage and Main, which outlines a brief history of the iconic intersection and contains drawings of what the intersection might look like. The video is available at: youtube.com/watch?v=exkxh5yp4VU. The city expects the Bank of Montreal War Monument to remain in the same location. The designs may include “conceptual modifications to existing buildings and properties to enhance private-public interface.” The consultant will also be required to produce 3D renderings of the vision for the four corners. In an unusual request for a city RFP, the bids are limited to 15 pages in length (excluding a cover page, table of contents and the required forms) and only the first 15 pages will be evaluated. The RFP states material submitted as an appendix will not be evaluated. The RFP closes at noon on June 26. The document states the city expects to award the contract by July 16. The winning consultant will be required to submit a draft plan by Oct. 31 — a week after the Oct. 24 civic election. The last council meeting before the civic election is Sept. 20. The final report and designs are due by Dec. 21. aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca

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Webinar Reminder: Tactical Urbanism Toolbox | Thurs, June 7, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 06 Jun '18

06 Jun '18

*** Friendly reminder about tomorrow's webinar *** Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg on *Thurs, June 7**th*, for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. cheers, Beth -- *AT Webinar: Thurs, June 7th, 2-3pm* *Quick Builds - Tactical Urbanism Toolbox* *This webinar will begin with an overview of the birth of Tactical Urbanism and its ongoing evolution, and will discuss how it has evolved into something communities and individuals or government entities can take ownership of. Presenters will discuss how Tactical Urbanism has become more "sanctioned" while still maintaining its tenets of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, etc. and how it can be formally integrated into government departments to advance projects. Presenters will discuss case studies and their successes and failures: Burlington and Miami-Dade programs, among others across the nation. Lastly, they will give some final remarks on how to initiate and execute successful Quick-Build Programs. * *Presenters:* * - Mike Lydon & Dana Wall, The Street Plans Collaborative - Nicole Losch, City of Burlington, VT - Dane Eifling, City of Fayetteville, AR * -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Exchange District BIZ Transportation Panel: Getting Around in the Original Downtown
by Shoni Madden 04 Jun '18

04 Jun '18

As Bike Week approaches, I hope you will make the time to join us for this exciting lunch picnic and panel event! We have kept the panel session to the lunch hour, but will be hanging around for some further discussion after 1:00pm for those that wish to stick around. Exchange District BIZ: Getting Around in the Original Downtown Bring your lunch, and join us for a summer picnic to chat transportation! Our picnic panel will kick-off the discussion, and open the conversation around walking, cycling, and transit in the Exchange. We will explore what is needed in the area to support a culture of sustainable transportation for businesses, residents, and the areas many cultural events. We will also discuss how can the Biz can continue to support you to move around on two feet, or two wheels. Where: Stephen Juba Park (Rain Venue TBD) When: Wednesday, June 20th 12:00pm-1:00pm (Panel) 1:00pm-1:30pm (Ideas Exploration) Panelists include: Will Belford - Natural Cycle/Bike Jams Thom Sparling - Creative Manitoba Phil Mikulec - Peg City Car Co-op Bob Sommers- Scatliff Miller Murray Lynne Stefanchuk - Jazz Fest Winnipeg Angela Mathieson - Centure Venture David Pensato/Sandy Klowak - Exchange District Biz Thanks, Shoni Madden Sustainable Transportation Planner [cid:image001.png@01CE8F6A.A4C607F0] #201 - 179 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0S1 204-227-1080 smadden(a)urbansystems.ca<mailto:smadden@urbansystems.ca> urbansystems.ca

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WFP Analysis: Pedestrian bridges a welcome direction (Jun4'18)
by Beth McKechnie 04 Jun '18

04 Jun '18

[On a related note: If you haven't registered for the Osborne to Downtown Ped and Bike Bridge public workshop tomorrow evening, you can always fill out the online survey by June 12th: https://osbornetodowntownphase2.metroquest.ca/] * * * * * * Pedestrian bridges a welcome direction * https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/analysis/pedestrian-bridges-a-wel… WINNIPEG’S rivers have divided its neighbourhoods since the days when St. Boniface was an independent city with ferry service to the English side of the river. The physical segmentation of Winnipeg, by rivers and rail yards, has made it a city of unique neighbourhoods. Communities that are geographically adjacent, but without direct pedestrian connections, have often developed with a distinct character, demographic, economy and history. Designed primarily to funnel people through neighbourhoods, and not be connectors between them, the city’s many vehicular bridges have had limited success breaking down the traditional divisions between Winnipeg’s communities. A new pedestrian and cycling bridge, however, proposed to span the Assiniboine River and connect the cycling infrastructure of Osborne Village and downtown, might present a new model to effectively link many of Winnipeg’s communities at a more intimate scale. As always, there is public debate about the cost and details, but the new bridge represents an important opportunity to change the dialogue about mobility in Winnipeg. Done well, it can be a symbol of a progressive and inclusive city that is broadening its transportation options. Calgary’s similar Peace Bridge, designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, has become a postcard image, representing a forward-looking city. There may be other bridges with shoulders and sidewalks for cyclists and pedestrians, but a dedicated crossing changes the experience of those activities and by giving them priority, elevates the value of active transportation in the city and attracts more users. With construction costs of about 10 per cent that of a car bridge, cycling and pedestrian bridges could affordably be replicated in strategic areas across the city, introducing a new network of connectivity between Winnipeg’s divided neighbourhoods. This web of active mobility could link communities together and potentially change how we define our neighbourhoods. It could transform how we move around our city, increasing economic opportunity, neighbourhood vibrancy and quality of life. Uniting communities through active transportation could grow neighbourhood economies by reducing pedestrian distances and expanding the potential market for local shops, restaurants and services. With a well-located pedestrian bridge, shops on Westminster Avenue would be a nine-minute walk (800 metres) from the shops on Academy Road in River Heights. The Osborne strip could be a seven-minute walk from Norwood Flats, or a 10-minute walk to the shops on Sherbrook Street. Most people in River Heights wouldn’t drive to the Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company in Wolseley, but they might take a 10-minute walk, or four-minute bike ride, over the river on a quiet bridge. Studies in other cities have shown that housing located near active transportation networks that provide access to these types of amenities can realize an increase in property values. Greater community integration might also help elevate the value of housing in newly connected, adjacent lower-income neighbourhoods. Another important benefit to increased mobility options is to help provide opportunity for those who might not have access to a personal vehicle. Improved active transportation connectivity can increase social inclusion by expanding access to schools, employment, food options, retail, and recreation opportunities. With pedestrian bridges, the University of Manitoba could be a 10-minute walk from St. Mary’s Road. Whittier Park could become a directly accessible green space for residents of Point Douglas and the Exchange District. Connecting neighbourhoods and reducing pedestrian and cycling distances create social opportunity by increasing access to a wider number of public transit routes, reducing commuting times and effectively widening the catchment area within which a transit user could reasonably commute to work or school. More convenient access to transit through better pedestrian connections would help both inner-city and suburban residents. A bridge between Westwood and Charleswood, as an example, would effectively double the number of transit routes accessible with a five-minute walk between Assiniboine Avenue and Roblin Boulevard. The same potential can be found between Henderson Highway and Main Street, or Osborne Street and St. Mary’s Road. With the average Canadian family spending almost 20 per cent of their household income on vehicle ownership, any reduction in driving costs could have an important impact on quality of life, even for more affluent suburbanites. Another new development in Winnipeg’s active transportation infrastructure could help extend this idea of connectivity between neighbourhoods. Traditionally, bike lanes have only been included in major road renewal projects, which has made their implementation extremely slow. A new lane on Garry Street downtown, for instance, will take three years to be complete as part of a much larger reconstruction project. Over the winter, the city ran a pilot project of pre-cast concrete curbs that are significantly less expensive and easier to install. They tested things such as drainage, functionality and durability against snow clearing. With the success of the pilot, construction is now beginning on a four-kilometre protected bike lane connecting the West Alexander neighbourhood (Health Sciences Centre) with Waterfront Drive in the Exchange District. The system will be completed in 12 weeks at a fraction of the cost of traditional curbs. This exciting new mindset on bike lane construction could mean much faster and less expensive implementation of cycling infrastructure, connecting Winnipeg neighbourhoods to each other and to downtown. It is an exciting time for active transportation in Winnipeg. We have fallen behind other cities but are now poised to catch up. Introducing an intimate new layer of human-scale mobility and connectivity across Winnipeg’s neighbourhoods could transform how we move around the city and help to create more vibrant, inclusive and healthy communities. * Brent Bellamy is senior design architect for Number Ten Architectural Group.*

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AT Webinar: Tactical Urbanism Toolbox | Thurs, June 7, 2-3pm
by Beth McKechnie 31 May '18

31 May '18

Please join Green Action Centre and Bike Winnipeg on *Thurs, June 7**th*, for a group viewing of the monthly APBP webinar in the EcoCentre <http://greenactioncentre.ca/uncategorized/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-o…> boardroom followed by discussion for those who wish to stay. cheers, Beth -- *AT Webinar: Thurs, June 7th, 2-3pm* *Quick Builds - Tactical Urbanism Toolbox* *This webinar will begin with an overview of the birth of Tactical Urbanism and its ongoing evolution, and will discuss how it has evolved into something communities and individuals or government entities can take ownership of. Presenters will discuss how Tactical Urbanism has become more "sanctioned" while still maintaining its tenets of flexibility, cost-effectiveness, etc. and how it can be formally integrated into government departments to advance projects. Presenters will discuss case studies and their successes and failures: Burlington and Miami-Dade programs, among others across the nation. Lastly, they will give some final remarks on how to initiate and execute successful Quick-Build Programs. * *Presenters:* * - Mike Lydon & Dana Wall, The Street Plans Collaborative - Nicole Losch, City of Burlington, VT - Dane Eifling, City of Fayetteville, AR * -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Join us TODAY at noon for the official launch of Commuter Challenge!
by Beth McKechnie 31 May '18

31 May '18

Hope you can join us over the lunch hour to kick off the 2018 Commuter Challenge! *YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR MEDIA LAUNCH* We're hosting a media launch on Thursday, May 31st <https://greenactioncentre.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af15a2f9f91ef9a…> and you're invited! Drop by *Investors Group atrium* (447 Portage Avenue <https://maps.google.com/?q=447+Portage+Avenue&entry=gmail&source=g>) *at 12:00pm* as we kick off Commuter Challenge and bring attention to the amazing participants and supporters of this great event. No RSVP required - just stop by and say hello! <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rptA05-ySiE/Ww1g7_RT8bI/AAAAAAAAAiM/W7Pp…> -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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Edmonton considering slashing bus routes for frequent service network
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '18

29 May '18

Timely article as Winnipeg Transit will be preparing a Strategic Service Plan (and Rapid Transit Master Plan) this coming year, with the first round of public engagement to take place this fall. All options reportedly will be on the table, including a frequent service network. For timelines, please see attached pdf. https://www.thestar.com/edmonton/2018/05/27/edmonton-is-considering-slashin… -- *Beth McKechnie* | Workplace Commuter Options <http://greenactioncentre.ca/>Green Action Centre <http://www.greenactioncentre.ca/> <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> 3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave | (204) 925-3777 x102 | Find us here <http://greenactioncentre.ca/content/ecocentre-directions-and-travel-options/> Green Action Centre is your green living hub Support our work by becoming a member <http://greenactioncentre.ca/support/become-a-member/>. Donate at CanadaHelps.org <http://canadahelps.org/> <http://www.gomanitoba.ca>

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TAC survey on integrating health in transportation - 2 days left!
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '18

29 May '18

Survey on the Integration of Health in Transportation The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) is leading a project to assess the current the potential future integration of health in transportation. The project is being completed by Urban Design 4 Health and Alta Planning + Design. As a part of this project, TAC is seeking input from individuals worldwide working in health and/or transportation fields, across diverse agencies, organizations and levels of government. Your feedback will help TAC to inventory, assess, identify gaps, and recommend improvements, in order to strengthen the integration of health in existing Canadian transportation policies, guidelines, and planning tools. Complete the survey by Thursday, May 31st, 2018. The survey is open to everyone, not just those who live in Canada. It should take approx. 15-20 min. to complete. Survey URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TAC_HealthTransportation <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YxWhZ30XZN9qJ8Fx3zfB_cDUx87Cm8bOVbS08TlWPFpW…> Project URL: http://www.tac-atc.ca/en/projects/progress/strategic- opportunities-integrating-health-and-transportation <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001YxWhZ30XZN9qJ8Fx3zfB_cDUx87Cm8bOVbS08TlWPFpW…> TAC is also asking you to freely share this invitation to complete the survey with other relevant individuals working in health and/or transportation. This dissemination will help to ensure the inclusion of a wide-range of perspectives and experiences.

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Join us for the official launch of Commuter Challenge! Thurs @ noon
by Beth McKechnie 29 May '18

29 May '18

Commuter Challenge is just around the corner (June 3 – 9, 2018)! Are you registered yet? YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR MEDIA LAUNCH We're hosting a media launch on Thursday, May 31st and you're invited! Drop by Investors Group atrium (447 Portage Avenue) at 12:00pm as we kick off Commuter Challenge and bring attention to the amazing participants and supporters of this great event. No RSVP required - just stop by and say hello! CLEAN AIR DAY - June 6th Stop by for a delicious reward on your active and green commute on June 6th between 6:45-9am. It's a go rain or shine! Check out the details and map here. Come stop by our tent near Osborne Bridge on the legislative grounds to enjoy free snacks and drinks! Minor bike tune ups will be provided by our friends at the Coop Vélo-Cité. RECRUIT A NEW WORKPLACE & WIN! Do you have a friend who you think is up to the task of bringing their workplace on board this year? We invite you to recruit them for the 2018 challenge! Both you and the workplace coordinator who you recruit will be entered to win even more prizes! Get them to register and send them this form to fill out > > > > > > > > >

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WFP: City unveils options for pedestrian bridge (May25'18)
by Beth McKechnie 25 May '18

25 May '18

------------------------------ *City unveils options for pedestrian bridge* https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-unveils-three-options-for-pede… THREE designs for a pedestrian and bike bridge over the Assiniboine River — connecting Osborne Village to downtown— have been released by the City of Winnipeg for public input. The bridge will connect Mc Fadyen Park on the north side of the river to Fort Rouge Park on the south side. “This is a very important part of our active-transportation strategy,” said ward Coun. Jenny Gerbasi (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry). “This is part of AT route plan that will connect the Osborne Village transit station through the Village to the bridge and then into the downtown and The Forks.” The consulting team has developed three options for the proposed river crossing: a girder bridge, a doublecurved cable bridge, and a suspension bridge. “This particular project has been talked about for decades,” Gerbasi said. “It’s one of the most exciting AT things we’re talking about.” While Gerbasi is excited about the project, a suburban councillor is not. At Thursday’s council meeting, North Kildonan Coun. Jeff Browaty questioned the need for another bridge over the Assiniboine River in that area. “If you look at the map, between The Forks and on to the Maryland Street bridge, there’s pretty good coverage for people to get across the river,” Browaty told reporters. “Spending another $15-, $20- or who-knows-howmany millions of dollars to build an additional pedestrian bridge in this location is not the next priority in my mind. “They are lovely looking bridges, but I just question it.” Browaty said themoney wouldbebetter spent building a movable downtown bike network and connecting it with the suburbs. “We’ve built a lot of good (cycling) networks to get to the downtown from different quadrants of the city,” he said. “One piece that is missing is that final mile to get from the AT paths to downtown destinations. That would be a better investment.” The proposed bridge is mid-way between the Midtown (Donald Street) and the Osborne Street bridges. Gerbasi dismissed Browaty’s criticisms as pre-election pandering, adding that the proposed bridge is integral to linking the downtown bike network to the suburbs. She said neither the Midtown nor the Osborne bridges are adequate cycling routes, and no cost has been determined yet for the proposed crossing. Gerbasi said the city is taking the same planning approach for the project as it’s done for the William R. Clement Parkway extension and the widening of Kenaston Boulevard. “We do the study now, so that we’re ready when the funding becomes available,” she said. The project website (//wfp.to/ KOI) says it is one of four pedestrian/ cycling crossings being considered by public works in the next two years, at a cost of $31 million. The others include: Bishop Grandin Greenway over Pembina Highway (2019); Maple Street through-pass of the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline (2020); and a crossing over the Seine River (2019). Consulting firm WSP Canada Group was awarded a contract at the end of October at a cost of $358,351 (following a public tendering process) to design the bridge with a network connection to the Osborne Village transit station. Now that WSP has developed three bridge designs, city hall wants public feedback on each. A public workshop is scheduled for June 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Augustine United Church (444 River Ave.). The format will include a presentation, followed by discussion groups. Throughout the summer, the project team will finalize the recommended functional design of cycling connections and preliminary design of the bridge and parks. The designs will be submitted for city council consideration once they are finished. A detailed design phase will be required ahead of project construction. Funding for detailed design and construction will be contingent on council approval. A final public engagement report will be available on the project site in the fall. Gerbasi said since she’s not running for re-election in October, she won’t be around to make a decision on a bridge design “but I’ve been here to see the project reach this point, and I hope that a future council has the foresight to invest in our long-term active transportation plans.” aldo.santin(a)freepress.mb.ca randy.turner(a)freepress.mb.ca Three choices Option 1: Girder Bridge is a straight bridge that would cross the Assiniboine River at a skew angle. There are two areas of the bridge that gradually expand to seven-metres-wide overlook points. According to the city’s website, this bridge can be made more aesthetically beautiful with lighting and artistic features, and includes a unique shallow girder design, intended to present a slender modern look to the structure. This bridge is the cheapest option. Option 2: Cable-Stayed Bridge is a double-curved structure and would be the first curvilinear cable-stayed bridge in Canada. It would be “aesthetically unique, as it allows someone on the bridge to see the other side of the bridge while crossing it,” the website noted, while it “mimics the meandering rivers and streets along rivers in Winnipeg.” The centre of each of the two bridge curves gradually expands to a seven-metres-wide overlook point. A long bench would be built in to each of the inner curves. This option is more expensive than the proposed girder bridge. Option 3: Suspension Bridge is a straight crossing at a skew angle, and would be the only suspension bridge in Winnipeg, which could prove a tourist attraction. The centre of the bridge gradually expands to a seven-metres-wide overlook point, and has two piers at each end from which cables are suspended. The piers would be located on the riverbanks, and the suspension cables strung between them will resemble two separated spaces now connected and held together by the new structure. The bridge piers and cables allow for the inclusion of artistic lighting above the bridge. This option is more expensive than the girder bridge and is comparable in price to the cable-stayed bridge. *Details on the proposed Osborne pedestrian cycling river crossing can be found at //wfp.to/KOI <http://wfp.to/KOI>.*

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