...And after writing about the High Line, I thought it would also be appropriate to discuss the future of the Traffic Bridge.
The City of Saskatoon has set up two websites: one detailing the current situation and the other asking for the public's opinion.
With sustainable re-development in mind, I am all in favor of keeping the bridge structure intact and having it open to non-motorized users. If it were up to me, I would duplicate the current pedestrian walkway on the down-stream side of the bridge, and use those areas for cyclist traffic, mitigating safety concerns of cyclists speeding down from Victoria Avenue hill. The down-stream side would be for cyclists traveling towards downtown, and the up-stream side for cyclists traveling towards Nutana. The bridge bed itself would then be open to developments for pedestrians, offering a wide pathway interspersed with planters and seating areas.
Roadways on either side of the bridge would have to be considered as well. On the east side, diversions would have to be made for traffic on Victoria Avenue, while still allowing pedestrians and cyclists access to the hill down towards the bridge. On the west side, the established roundabout provides some challenges, as it connects to Spadina Drive and the roadway leading to the Remai Arts Center.
It's apparent that the public is in favor of keeping the bridge for it's historical significance. With the changes that would have to be made to the traffic flows on either side of the bridge, it's a pity that the city didn't better evaluate the life line of the bridge before investing so much into River Landing, as the project could have better integrated the future of the bridge.
Thoughts?
-DUNN
Your idea is really well thought out and would allow for maximum community engagement with the structure. But for a city that was hesitant to even start looking into recycling initiatives as recently as a year ago, it would be difficult to sway them into using it as a pedestrian development area. Your point about integration with River Landing is highly pertinent too with the addition of the AGS coming in. Man, I won't even get started on the traffic implications involved with that area right now but you should def. submit this as a suggestion to the city because it is wholly viable and highly adaptable. Your calling is clearly urban planning!
ReplyDeleteGood point--Saskatoon needs to get with the times. Because the previous closure to vehicle traffic was successful, permanent closure will definitely be considered.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the AGS...the new gallery is going to create an entire artistic community at River Landing, and the Traffic Bridge continue to provide a historical link to the area.