A new walkway over Bow Trail in the city's southwest is now open to pedestrians.
The 24 Street bridge replaced an old structure and is much wider, has more accessible pathway approaches and is easier to use as the inclines are more gradual and the ramps are curved.
The walkway connects users to the Bow River Pathway and spans all six lanes of Bow Trail.
"The Contractor gave a real push to open this bridge for use through the winter and they did it", explains West LRT project director Darrell Norton, "This fall has seen great progress on the project and sets us up for a productive 2012 construction season."
The city says that they also realigned the approaching pathways to improve pedestrian and cyclist connections between communities.
"The Calgary Transportation Plan identifies safe, barrier free access for pedestrians and cyclists to transit service and community amenities as key within its walking and cycling policy," says Blanka Bracic, City of Calgary Transportation Engineer. "The new 24 Street pedestrian overpass provides cyclists and pedestrians a connection across Bow Trail near the new LRT Station, helping to make sustainable transportation the preferred choice for more people."
The bridge's artwork mirrors the West LRT station canopies which were inspired by the Chinook arch and snow drifts.
The city hopes to have paving along the north pathway and permanent railing installation completed by the spring of 2012.
