A significant milestone for active transportation in Sudbury was reached on Friday with the official opening of the new Nelson Street bridge. The bridge, which spans the railroad tracks, is designed to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists.
The new bridge replaces the old pedestrian bridge, which was in dire need of repair. Despite the hefty price tag of $3 million, city officials determined that replacing the bridge was a more cost-effective solution than extensive rehabilitation.
"I'm not a bridge expert, but that's a really fantastic bridge," enthused John Lalonde, a local cycling enthusiast and owner of Sessions Ride Company. "We truly needed this bridge. We didn't realize how much until we didn't have it."
The bridge connects to Sudbury's popular cycling route around Ramsey Lake, providing a vital link for cyclists who had to navigate detours during construction.
The Nelson Street bridge boasts a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originally constructed in Chalk River, it was relocated to Sudbury in the early 1900s and served various purposes, including streetcars, vehicles, and buses. The original bridge was removed in the late 1970s and replaced with a pedestrian bridge.
Unlike the public debate that surrounded the construction of the previous pedestrian bridge in the 1970s, the community wholeheartedly supported the new bridge. Tony Cecutti, General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure, emphasized the increasing recognition of active transportation's role in building healthier communities.
The old 52-meter, seven-tonne pedestrian bridge was dismantled in June, and the new $3 million bridge was carefully slid into place on rollers. Stephen Holmes, Project Services Manager, confirmed that the project was completed on time and within budget.
Lively-based GDB Constructeurs served as the general contractor, while WSP provided engineering and contract administration services. The new bridge, a prefabricated Warren truss structure, measures three meters in width, offering ample space for pedestrians and cyclists. Constructed with galvanized steel, the bridge is expected to last 100 years with minimal maintenance.
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