There is a new posting on EngageWR Cambridge that asks for your input on the design and location of the proposed walking and cycling bridge across the Speed River in Hespeler. The bridge would connect the Mill Run Trail on the north side to Queen Street and Winston Boulevard on the south side.
Provide your feedback before September 19
The survey is open until September 19. Access the EngageWR Cambridge: Hespeler Pedestrian Bridge page below to provide your feedback. You will need to register on EngageWR to submit the survey, if you have not already done so. Press “Public Information Centre Information” under Project Documents to see the full presentation. The rationale for the choices made starts on page 24 of the presentation.
CycleWR’s View
CycleWR supports the chosen bridge option (3A). It provides the shortest “detour” from Guelph Avenue that does not require a pier to support the bridge (which is very expensive). It also goes around the existing building rather than through the centre of the current complex. A trail going around the building likely will have no conflict with whatever happens in the main development area.
Our main concern is that the entire connection from Sheffield Street across the bridge to Queen Street should be winter maintained and (ideally) lighted. That would require paving the Mill Run Trail from the bridge to Sheffield Avenue. We question whether boardwalk is the best surface for the bridge if winter maintenance is required – asphalt may be better. This will be an important new connection from north of the Speed River to Winston Boulevard, Franklin Boulevard, and the rest of Cambridge – it must be winter maintained. That is the feedback we have given to the City.