The City of Cambridge, with the assistance of engineering firm WSP E&I Canada, have completed an environmental assessment for the Hespeler pedestrian bridge.
The purpose of the assessment was to evaluate options for a bridge that crosses the Speed River.
The preferred location is approximately 20 meters west of the existing Silknit Dam. The trail on the north side of the river will connect to the existing Mill Run Trail.
The trail connection to the south travels across private properties 215 and 241 Queen St W.
The bridge, along with the trail connection, were identified as an opportunity as part of the City’s Cycling Master Plan in 2020. It will address potential issues with Hespeler’s active transportation network.
During consultations it was found that many people, including students of Centennial Public School and Jacob Hespeler Secondary School used the existing CN Railway bridge to cross the speed river, which is considered both trespassing and unsafe. A new pedestrian bridge would provide a safer alternative.
The assessment says the crossing would meet the city’s goals of sustainability, Greenhouse Gas reductions, connection to the natural environment, and enhancing, community health, safety and quality of life.
Funding in the amount of $70,000 is now needed to perform a Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment. It would be taken from the Development Charge Road Reserve Fund.
The construction costs are estimated at $4,216,000, which was included in the current Capital Budget forecast for the year 2026.
The assessment will be tabled at council on May 30 with the ask that the $70,000 be added to the existing capital project for Stage 2 of the Archaeological Assessment.