LRT construction delays keeping footbridge near Carleton campus incomplete
A much-anticipated footbridge connecting Carleton University to Vincent Massey Park has been sitting unused for nearly two years, and the delay has everything to do with light rail construction.
Ian Marsland, a cyclist eager to use the bridge, says the link between the university and Vincent Massey's vast network of recreational pathways on the other side of the Rideau River is not only a much-needed gateway but also reduces travel time to other destinations like the RA Centre and Billings Bridge.
Location of the much-anticipated footbridge connecting Carleton University to Vincent Massey Park over the Rideau River. (CTV News Ottawa)
"It's going to be fantastic," he says. "It crosses the river in a place where it's very hard to cross the river right now. It's either up to Hog's Back or over to Bank Street, so this is good for the campus and the park."
The massive one-piece steel structure footbridge was originally installed in July 2022 and, at the time, several city councillors, including Riley Brockington, expected an opening within four months. That did not happen.
"We learn now that the contract is tied with the opening of the LRT Line 2," says Brockington.
The bridge and its installation is part of the original Stage-two LRT proposal.
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
"So as long as Line 2 is postponed, this bridge, per contract, does not does not have to open," Brockington says. "My argument is there's so little work left, basically electrical connections and some of the top bridge work weatherproofing."
Brockington wants the footbridge opened by this summer. City staff note that in order to complete work on the bridge, sustained above-zero temperatures will be needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP calls out Conservatives for effort to squash pharmacare legislation
The federal New Democrats are calling out Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his party for trying to block the bill that could pave the way for millions of Canadians to access birth control and diabetes coverage.
Stamp prices rise for the third time in five years amid financial woes for Canada Post
Canada Post is increasing stamp prices for the third time since 2019, a move the Crown corporation says is a "reality" of its sales-based revenue structure.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
A subset of Alzheimer's cases may be caused by two copies of a single gene, new research shows
For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.
B.C. court date set for 3 accused of murdering Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three suspects accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year are scheduled to appear in court in Surrey on Tuesday.
Ontario MPP asked again to leave Ontario legislature over keffiyeh, Speaker loosens ban
An Ontario MPP was asked again to leave the Ontario legislature on Monday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that was banned by the Speaker last month due to its political symbolism.
WATCH Avian flu: Risk to humans grows as outbreaks spread, warns expert
H5N1 or avian flu is decimating wildlife around the world and is now spreading among cattle in the United States, sparking concerns about 'pandemic potential' for humans. Now a health expert is urging Canada to scale up surveillance north of the border.