Pipeline - Pedestrian Bridge FAQ

The following information, which was also available in a newsletter format, was provided prior to the referendum that took place on August 23, 2014.

PIPELINE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q.           What is the Pipeline/Pedestrian Bridge Project?

A.           There are two components to this project. They are:
1). The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) will spend approximately *$7,428,000 to construct a pipeline bridge spanning the Columbia River. This pipeline bridge will accommodate the regional sewer interceptor line, which must be moved off the old bridge.  This portion of the project will commence in the near future as it is a necessity for the region.
*The RDKB's cost above has yet to be approved by the RDKB & the Sewerage Committee. The final cost may change.

2). In conjunction with this project, the City of Trail has the opportunity to add a pedestrian walkway, a secondary water line and a fibre-optic line (and possibly other utility lines), which will cost the City approximately $5,816,000. Of this amount, the City intends to borrow $4,916,000 by adopting a Loan Authorization Bylaw. Trail's citizens will have the opportunity to vote for whether Council should adopt the Loan Authorization Bylaw which would enable the City to partner in the project at the upcoming referendum on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the Trail Memorial Centre's McIntyre Room at 8am - 8pm.

Q.           How will a new walking bridge impact tax payers?

A.            If the Loan Authorization Bylaw is adopted and the City proceeds with the walking bridge and other utility lines, there will be no property tax increase for the City's component of the project. The City intends to utilize Federal Gas Tax Revenue to make the annual debt payment, estimated at $346,650. The City will receive increased amounts from the Federal Gas Tax Revenue over time as it is indexed for inflation. 

Q.          Will the pedestrian bridge accommodate an emergency vehicle?

A.           Yes.  The City will have a 4-Track (Quad) Emergency Vehicle (with trailer) stored on the Rotary Park side of the pedestrian bridge should there be an incident that requires patient transport across the bridge.

Q.          What will the bridge decking be made of and how wide will the deck be?

A.          The pedestrian bridge deck will be made of a composite concrete material made from FiberSPAN™ decking, designed specifically for pedestrian bridges. The width of the bridge will 12' wide and will accommodate pedestrians & cyclists. The bridge will also accommodate a City-owned 4-Track (Quad) Emergency Vehicle (with trailer) if necessary.

Q.           Why do we need to decide on the walking bridge now?

A.           The timing is crucial. The City must be in a position to proceed in conjunction with the RDKB's pipeline project as the added components proposed by the City change the structural supports of the bridge to be constructed.   Therefore, proceeding after the pipeline bridge is constructed is not an option for the City. Lastly, the walking bridge is a vital component to the downtown revitalization plan, development of the Esplanade and the pedestrian trail development identified by the Parks & Recreation Master Plan.  Reconnecting with the river is essential to our City's long-term sustainability.

Q.           Can the Old Bridge be repaired?

A.           No.  The Old Bridge cannot be economically repaired; it has reached the end of its useful life at 103 years old. Comprehensive bridge engineering studies, City legal and insurer consultations have strongly indicated to keep the Old Bridge closed and not to invest any more funds (the City invested nearly $1,000,000 from 2000-2010 for  maintenance) into the structure for the following reasons: i). there is significant deterioration of the piers and steel shells that surround the piers ii). The estimated cost to rehabilitate the Old Bridge is $10,000,000.  This would only extend the lifespan of the bridge for a few years.  This is not an economically feasible or responsible option for the City, nor will any reputable engineering firm take the risk of restoring such an old and deteriorated structure. View or download the Buckland & Taylor presentation.

Information was issued in the City-issued four page newsletter.  These arrived in all mailboxes the week of July 8th. If you did not receive this newsletter, please view it online.  Info will also be available on the City's Facebook page, through local media, or by calling the City at 250.364.1262.