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The biggest gap in London’s 42-kilometre recreational pathway system — the Thames Valley Parkway trail — could soon be filled.

In a report headed to the city’s civic works committee next week, staff are recommending politicians award a $6.3-million contract to London-based J-AAR Excavating Ltd. to connect Richmond and Adelaide streets along the north branch of the Thames River.

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Cyclists or walkers now trying to travel across the north end of the city hit dead ends at Ross Park on Richmond and the North London Sports Fields on Adelaide, forcing them to take a detour that includes a busy stretch of Richmond.

As part of the proposed connection, which staff call “the highest priority gap” in the trail system, the city would build two bridges over the river.

Staff estimate more than 50,000 residents in the city’s northeast would gain from the connection to the Thames Valley Parkway.

The first of the two bridges would be built through Ross Park, while the second one would be built through the driveway entrance to the North London fields.

Coun. Phil Squire, chair of the civic works committee, called the project an “important” piece that will improve connections across the city without harming the area’s environment — a key factor in the delays the project has faced over the years.

“The primary concerns with this project were environmental concerns, going into an area . . . where you have to be very sensitive to certain forms of wildlife and vegetation. So we certainly had to get that absolutely right,” he said.