Walterdale Bridge plans approved by committee

Edmonton city council's transportation committee gave its approval Tuesday to a concept plan for the replacement of the Walterdale Bridge.

But Mayor Stephen Mandel asked for more information on the project, because he would like to see the new bridge have four lanes instead of three.

"I think when you're building a bridge for a hundred million bucks and you know that traffic is going to increase over the next number of years, we should give a tacit look at building another lane," Mandel said.

"And when the bridge is 30 per cent contingencies, maybe we can bring the extra lane in at a reasonable price."

City staff estimate adding a fourth lane carries a price tag of $20 million.

Mandel also proposed keeping the old bridge for pedestrian and bicycle use.

He said it's an historical bridge that should be used for something, and suggested the money saved dismantling the old bridge may be enough to cover the cost of a fourth lane on a new bridge.

The current bridge, which spans the North Saskatchewan River on 105 Street, is nearly 100 years old.

Theconcept for the new bridgeis a one-span arch with three lanes and a multi-use trail and sidewalks on both sides.

Construction is expected to begin in 2013.