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.
"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
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.