Questions About Design, Maintenance & Impacts

Design

1. Why is the bridge design mostly enclosed and covered?

Metrolinx requires two metre high barrier walls on this bridge because it extends across the rail corridor. The proposed design includes a roof, which will minimize the need for winter maintenance and provide greater comfort for bridge users in inclement weather.

2. Why does the bridge design include elevators and not ramps?

Ramps were considered in the 2011 Class Environmental Assessment Study, but were not recommended for several reasons. As documented in the 2011 staff report to Council (item PW9.6)

“A ramp even at the maximum grade (1 in 12) would be over 100 m long (particularly on the north side of the crossing) and hence unattractive to its users, visually obtrusive (conflicting with the urban design objectives for the area), and difficult to keep clear of ice and snow at all times. A large ramp structure would impinge on Douro Street and require removal of trees, while hampering future efforts to introduce a multi-use pathway along the rail corridor.”

The approved design includes elevators and stairs, which have the following advantages:

provides barrier-free access throughout the entire year.

Elevator eliminates the need for out-of-way travel and it is accessible for cyclists at all levels.

Requires the least amount of tree removal.

Poses minimal impact to possible future multi-use path on Douro Street.

See further details on the 2011 Class Environmental Assessment Study web page.

3. What security measures are being built into the design?

The personal security measures for the King Liberty Bridge structure, elevators and stairs will include:

Use of glass walls for pedestrian visibility

Effective pedestrian lighting

Closed circuit security cameras

Emergency buttons in the elevators at strategic locations

Bridge Operations & Maintenance

4. How will the bridge be maintained?

The City will carry out regular maintenance on the bridge, including snow clearance at the approaches, removal of garbage and regular cleaning. Routine inspections of the bridge will also be carried out and rehabilitation scheduled on an as needed basis.

5. Will the bridge be open overnight?

Yes, the bridge will be available for 24-hour use with lighting and security cameras.

6. Will the bridge, elevators and structures be heated or air-conditioned?

No active heating or air-cooling will provided in the pedestrians pathways or elevators. Openings will be provided for passive air circulation in the stairs and bridge deck passage way.

Impacts

7. Are there any private property impacts?

A small strip of land between Western Battery Road and the rail corridor will be required to accommodate the preferred location and design of the bridge. In addition, the City and Metrolinx are working to develop the terms and conditions of the necessary construction and crossing agreements needed to allow construction and operation of the bridge over the rail corridor.

8. Will any of the streets be impacted or closed during construction?

Some roadway and sidewalk restrictions will be required on Douro Street and Western Battery Road during portions of construction. No closures are expected to King Street West or other neighbouring major streets.

9. Will any transit routes be impacted from this project?

This project is not anticipated to effect or cause change to any local TTC or GO Transit services.

10. How might this bridge affect nearby tower residents?

This bridge will be a convenient connection for local residents. Lighting and other elements will be designed with consideration of adjacent apartments.