TH 169 Pedestrian Bridge Alternatives Study

At the February 16, 2021 City Council meeting, City Council authorized the execution of a professional services agreement with WSB and Associates for the design, construction inspection, and administrative services for the TH 169 Pedestrian Bridge Project PR-22-004. As part of their scope of work, WSB and Associates have completed a pedestrian bridge alternatives study outlining possible geometric layouts for the pedestrian bridge and trail (see attached).

After preliminary discussions between city staff and WSB and Associates regarding multiple pedestrian bridge and trail alternatives, four were deemed practical and feasible. This study focused on these four alternatives. All four alternatives evaluated the impact to existing infrastructure, environmental features, adjacent homes, pedestrian and bicycle routes, and maintenance. Preliminary construction cost estimates were also calculated for each alternative.

City staff and WSB and Associates recommend proceeding with Alternative 3 in the pedestrian bridge alternatives study. Key factors include cost and Alternate 3 providing a more direct connection to the regional trail route through the Southbridge neighborhood than the other alternatives while also minimizing tree impacts. Additionally, privacy for adjacent residents will be maintained with this alternative as the bridge structure is shifted west away from homes.

A presentation of the study will be provided to the City Council at the meeting (see attached).

The project is proposed to be funded by State bonding and the Capital Improvement Fund. Table 1 compares the overall budgeted amount in the 2021 CIP and the projected amount from the project alternatives study. 

Table 1. Cost and Funding Summary - TH 169 Pedestrian Bridge PR-22-004