The first two of eight replacement pedestrian bridges across P.A. will go in Little Red River Park and could be ready by the winter following the approval of the design contract.(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Glenn Hicks

recreational infrastructure

First two pedestrian bridges could be ready for winter

Jun 18, 2019 | 8:00 AM

Prince Albert city council has finally approved the contract for the planning, design and construction inspection for two pedestrian bridges at Little Red River Park.

After much deliberation in recent months about the cost to plan and replace all eight pedestrian bridges needed across the city, council has given the go ahead of the first two: the Slide Hill and Sports Council bridges. The hope is they could be ready for the public’s use by the winter.

“We can now tell our engineers and get the contract signed so they can do the design, hopefully over the summer,” director of public works Wes Hicks told paNOW.” We will still have to go back to council to award the construction tender.”

ISL Engineering will be paid $84,000 for the design of the structures. They’ll each cost about $200,000 to make based on the cost for similar structures in Regina.

Concrete abutments that will support the bridges will need to be in place on either side of the river before the winter, so the structures – which will be made by a specialist company off-site – can then be installed, according to Hicks.

FSIN

Chief Bobby Cameron re-elected for fourth term as FSIN Chief

Oct 31, 2024

victim still sees no compensation

Sentencing issued in SaskPower vs. Blayne McKay

Oct 31, 2024

Economy

Economy stalled in August, Q3 growth looks to fall short of Bank of Canada estimates

Oct 31, 2024

“The bridges don’t seem like they’re very far across but some of them are up to 40 metres, and you want to clear-span the water,” he said. “You don’t want to put piers in the water as that can impact water flow especially during flooding.”

The new bridges will be a vast improvement for people using the park, according to Hicks. One of them, the so-called Slide Hill Bridge, was removed after the 2013 flood.

“It’s been six years without it, so it’ll be very nice to have a replacement so folks can enjoy the use of that hill and the playground beside it,” he said. “The Sports Council Bridge is in the backcountry which provides access to the trails across the river for biking and hiking in the summer and for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter.”

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow