The Doer government should intercede on the city's plans to re-build the Disraeli Bridge, an NDP MLA said today.
Elmwood MLA Jim Maloway has fired off an appeal to Steve Ashton, minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, to expand the discussion of the bridge's redevelopment so that it includes plans for a six-lane bridge, not the three four-lane versions currently under consideration.
"I am concerned that all options are not being put on the table at this point and by the time there is greater public awareness of the full impact it will be too late to revisit the issue," Maloway said in his letter.
Maloway also said he's concerned the Disraeli bridge and overpass will close completely for 16 months to allow for extensive repairs beginning in the fall of 2009.
The area's MLA said that leaves the two-lane Redwood Bridge and the two-lane Louise Bridge as the only immediate way for motorists to get in and out of that section of the city.
He said if more thought was put into the redevelopment two separate spans could be constructed in stages so portions of the Disraeli remain open during construction so a months-long traffic bottleneck is not created. A six-lane span would also link up better with the Henderson Highway and Main Street.
The Disraeli project is expected to cost between $125 and $160 million, depending on which of three designs is chosen by city hall. The aim is to improve access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists and upgrade the surfaces of the bridge and overpass.
The last open house on the bridge is tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Good Neighbours Senior Centre at 755 Henderson Hwy.
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