The concept of a pedestrian bridge across the Bow River in Banff is back on the discussion table – but is being pitched as part of a unique two for one deal.
While still in the very early stages, the Town of Banff is considering incorporating a pedestrian-bike bridge into a project that involves reconstructing some aging sewer pipes across the river.
Officials say one option is to build a bridge at the existing sanitary siphon location at the south end of Muskrat Street and fasten the new sanitary pipes underneath the new bridge.
“A potential bridge would provide excellent access across the river for cyclists and pedestrians,” said Adrian Field, the Town’s engineering manager.
“The location is considered to provide an ideal link from Banff Avenue and Surprise Corner to the trails on the south side of the river to Bow Falls.”
Councillor Leslie Taylor referred to the option as “thinking outside the box”.
She said the Muskrat Street location would not require the construction of approach and exit paths proposed for the previous Central Park location.
“I think this is an exciting and positive idea,” she said.
Coun. Stavros Karlos said he wants more information about costs, but overall he likes the concept.
“Many residents told me the last bridge concept was flawed because it was on the ‘wrong’ side and it couldn’t carry emergency vehicles,” he said.
“This new concept addresses both those concerns and with apparent cost parity with other sewage solutions.”
Coun. Chip Olver said kudos to administration for bringing this idea forward.
“I hope the analysis of the impacts demonstrate that it will work,” she said.
Mayor Karen Sorensen said she has supported a pedestrian bridge since the idea was first introduced.
“This creative idea, put forward by the engineering team, to replace the pipe and build the pedestrian bridge over it, has great potential,” she said.
“The replacement of the pipe is necessary and budgeted for and a new pedestrian bridge may be an unplanned benefit of that capital project.”
The pedestrian bridge would run from the south end of Muskrat Street across the Bow River to a location somewhere between the Banff YWCA and the existing bridge.
Field said the present Bow River sanitary siphon consists of two steel pipes passing under the bed of the Bow River, running directly south from the pathway at the south end of Muskrat Street.
The pipes take all the sanitary waste from the north side of the town under the river, and then down to the wastewater treatment plant, he said.
He said the pipe crossing, installed sometime before 1968, is at the end of its lifecycle and replacement of the siphon was identified in 2007 by council as a capital project.
Other options are being discussed, including securing the pipes to the existing Bow River Bridge. There is already a water main under the existing bridge.
Field said the project is currently in the conceptual stage.
“A pre-design exercise will be carried out for the bridge option to confirm the lift station operating costs and the capital costs for the construction work,” he said.
“The viability, costs and construction risks associated with all crossing methods are also being assessed, as well as potential private and grant funding for the bridge solution.”
