City bids for cash for bridge
The city's drive to get millions in provincial and federal funding for a bridge connecting Riverside South and Barrhaven began yesterday.
It is estimated the project, including required road widenings, approaches, ramps, and the bridge itself, will cost $105 million.
The city has pledged to cover a third of the costs, and municipal officials are hoping each of the upper-tier governments will pledge the same.
In letters to the appropriate ministers, Mayor Larry O'Brien and city manager Kent Kirkpatrick say building a bridge over the Rideau River that connects Strandherd and Armstrong roads "is one of the City of Ottawa's most important transportation and transit network projects."
The bridge was to be built as part of the now-cancelled light-rail project. Under the current plan, it will be constructed to accommodate rail cars or buses as well as four lanes of traffic.
Barrhaven Councillor Jan Harder and Gloucester-South Nepean Councillor Steve Desroches support the bridge, which would connect the rapidly growing suburban areas they represent.
"This will open up a world of transportation and transit opportunities in the south end of the city," Mr. Desroches said. "I think the case for building it is pretty strong, and I expect the provincial and federal governments to see this."
"It's time," said Ms. Harder. "We're knocking on the door now because we need this."
