3 designs pitched for new pedestrian bridge over Assiniboine River

Three designs have been unveiled for a footbridge withthepotential to becomea "landmark structure" inWinnipeg.

The city released drawings this week for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over Assiniboine River connecting Osborne Village to the downtown. The span would linkMcFadyen Park on the north side of the river withFort Rouge Park to the south.

"This crossing has the potential to be a landmark structure for Winnipeg," the city's website reads. "The city envisions an elegant andaestheticallypleasing, but cost effective structure."

Each of the proposed bridge spans wouldhave dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, a five-metre width andadequate lighting to ensure user safety. The bridge is expected to widenin at least one spot to create alookout point.

But the three choices differ notably in their design.

Option 1: girder bridge

• A straight bridge crossing the river at a skew angle.
• "This bridge features a unique shallow girder design intended to present a slender modern look to the structure," the city said on its website.
• Thecheapest of the three options.

Option 2: cable-stayed bridge

• This design could become a landmark attraction since there are few curvilinear cable-stayed bridges, wherecables support the bridge deck, in North America, and this would be the first in Canada, said the city. Esplanade Riel is an example of a cable-stayed bridge, butthecables donot span the roadway.
• The city explainedthe double curved design provides a better "connection to the parks" feeling,naturally slows down travellingpedestrians and cyclists because of its curved nature and mimics the meandering rivers and streets in Winnipeg.
• A long bench would be built along theinner curves.
• This option is comparable in price to the suspension bridge.

Option 3: suspension bridge

• Winnipeg will get its first suspension bridge if this option is chosen.
• A straight bridgecrossing the river at a skew angle.
• The bridge would have two piers at each end from which cables are suspended.
• This option is comparable in price to the cable-stayed bridge.

The connection willbridge the gap between two of the city's green spaces.

To the south, Fort RougePark will see upgrades to three aging playgroundsand a significant improvementto the popular spray pad.

The redevelopment of McFadyen Park, north of the river, is set to includean expanded playground, upgraded tennis courts andcreation of a street plaza. Underutilized amenitiessuch as a wading pool would be eliminated.

"The new bridge connection essentially creates one larger park, so residents from both sides have more options for recreation," explainsthe city's website.

New bike routes are also plannedthroughout Osborne Village.

The city will go back to the drawing board after asecond round of public consultation. A survey is now availableonline and a public workshop will be offered on June 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. atAugustine United Church on River Avenue. People are asked to reserve their seat by June 3.

No cost estimates have been provided.

Visit the city's website for more information on the proposed development.