6th Street Active Transportation Bridge
Start: January 2020
End: Ongoing
Last Updated: November 21, 2023
Follow Along With Us On the Journey!
The City of Courtenay’s 6th Street Active Transportation Bridge project has seen significant progress as it reaches 50 per cent completion in the detailed design stage.
This proposed bridge will provide cyclists, pedestrians and other people-powered transportation connections from the bottom of 6th Street to Simms Millennium Park, and the extensive trail networks on both sides of the Courtenay River.
About the Proposed Design
A four-metre-wide symmetrical cable-stayed design was chosen for the project by council in December 2020. This design requires a smaller staging area during construction, with less impact on traffic and the environment, while remaining visually appealing.
Renderings of the proposed 6th Street pedestrian bridge:
Why an Active Transportation Bridge?
The 6th Street Bridge will be of interest to many, with benefits that include:
- Providing a key connection between extensive pathways and cycling, while:
- Offering more confidence and safety for users
- Further encouraging alternate modes of transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions created by motorized vehicles.
A 6th street multi-use bridge has been in discussion for many years, and is included in the City’s recently completed Parks & Recreation Master Plan and referenced in the Transportation Master Plan for the City of Courtenay. In addition, the Downtown Courtenay Playbook notes an additional crossing at Sixth Street should be explored further.
Costs & Funding
The preliminary 2021 cost estimate is $4.4 million, and will be refined as planning is finalized. This project is reliant on grant funding to be constructed; the project team is seeking funding opportunities in 2022, with construction targeted for 2023 dependent on funding outcome.
What's Happening Now?
The project team is currently working on these important project steps:
- Engaging with stakeholder groups to provide updates
- Drafting grant applications
- Reviewing design drafts
- Completing/submitting permitting applications
Project Highlights
- July 2021 – Funding reallocation to detailed design phase and other related activities approved by council: July 19, 2021 Staff Report: 6th Street Multi-Use Active Transportation Bridge - Funding Reallocation [PDF - 618 KB]
- December 2020 – Symmetrical cable-stayed bridge option approved by council: December 10, 2020 Staff Report: 6th Street Bridge Project Update [PDF - 23 MB
- December 2020 – Detailed Options Analysis is completed and a symmetrical cable-stayed bridge is recommended: January 27, 2020 Presentation: 6th Street Bridge Multi-Use Options [PDF - 2 MB]
- June 2020 – Progress report is presented to council on status of grant application for Detailed Options Analysis: June 1, 2020 Briefing Note: 6th Street Bridge Project Update [PDF - 180 KB]
- January 2020 – Staff report presented to council detailing proposed 6th Street Bridge project: January 27, 2020 Staff Report: 6th Street Bridge Options Analysis [PDF - 2 MB] [PDF - 776 KB]
- January 2020 – Feasibility study and design options review is completed: January 27, 2020 Presentation: 6th Street Bridge Feasibility Study [PDF - 2 MB]
- September 2019: Council directed City staff to expedite delivery of a range of options for a Sixth Street Multi-Use Bridge concept in order to provide greater information related to the design, cost, public safety features and funding source options for a Sixth Street crossing.
Detailed Design