Northwest pedestrian/cyclist bridge in High River

The Town of High River, Alberta, located 67 kilometres south of the city of Calgary, will conduct a study to evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of constructing a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge. High River’s population (14,052 people) is geographically separated by the Highwood River. Currently there is only one bridge crossing, the Centre Street Bridge, that connects the northwest portion of the town to the south. The study will determine the proposed bridge’s location and design criteria, and evaluate its environmental and social benefits. The proposed northwest pedestrian/active transportation bridge would also enhance the community’s connectivity and activity. The projected benefits of this initiative include the following: reducing vehicle kilometres travelled between the two parts of the town; improving air quality and public health by reducing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions; and providing a formal connection to the natural river landscape, which could promote environmental stewardship. The feasibility study is supported by several policies and plans highlighting sustainable development, active lifestyles, connectivity, emissions reductions, and the climate adaptation. This includes the town’s Statutory Plan, Municipal Development Plan (2013), and Intermunicipal Development Plan. Innovative aspect(s): The multipurpose bridge design will provide emergency access to otherwise inaccessible areas of the river’s banks. Replicability: · This project could be replicated in other municipalities where an impediment created by a waterbody, rail lines, freeways and/or other features make travel challenging · The town plans to share lessons learned from the feasibility study through different platforms, including the Calgary Metropolitan Regional Board (Project description from original funding application)