Deteriorating Omand Park bridge needs replacement: city report

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This article was published 25/11/2024 (357 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A plan to replace the Omand Park pedestrian bridge could soon be on the way, as city staff warn the deteriorating structure could fail at any time.

A report seeks city council approval to plan and design a replacement bridge for construction “no later than 2029.”

The path over Omand’s Creek, connecting the park to Wolseley, is in poor condition and at risk of closure, the report notes.

“It may be permanently closed at any time without warning when it is no longer considered safe for public use,” writes Brad Neirinck, the city’s manager of engineering.

A new bridge would be about 2.8 metres higher than the existing one to avoid seasonal flooding and is expected to cost between $3 million and $5 million, which could potentially be funded through a city reserve.

Preventing further flooding is deemed key to the project.

“In addition to age-related deterioration, the bridge is also frequently closed due to flood,” it states.

The city says the bridge has been covered in water for more than 600 days over the last 10 years and doesn’t meet current accessibility standards.

Coun. Janice Lukes, chairwoman of council’s public works committee, said she supports the study, since the bridge is part of a key active transportation route.

“This is a key link and it’s a beautiful area, a beautiful park. It’s very well used,” said Lukes (Waverley West).

The councillor said raising the height of the bridge is necessary to address flooding but could also significantly change the park’s appearance.

“This will be interesting because in order to raise the bridge so it doesn’t flood, it will fundamentally have a major effect on the park. It will change the look of the park,” said Lukes.

The public works committee will debate the idea on Nov. 29.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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