Anderson Pedestrian Overpass to provide improved community connections

On October 29, residents of southwest communities Woodbine, Cedarbrae and area can look forward to the opening of a new pedestrian bridge that crosses busy Anderson Road. Construction on the overpass began last winter to link the heavily-used regional pathways on either side of Anderson Road. With its completion, there is now a continuous pathway between South Glenmore Park and Fish Creek Park that can be accessed safely, easily and quickly.

Funded by the Government of Alberta and designed and constructed by The City, it’s a collaborative effort between the two levels of government, making sure travel in the area improves for citizens. Located just east of the future South West Calgary Ring Road, the bridge was necessary to provide a north-south connection for safe travel and make room for the Anderson Road interchange.

Evan Fer, project manager with the City of Calgary, says the project is an important part of The City’s goal to connect communities with better pedestrian crossings. “The City is excited to open this new pedestrian overpass. In addition to providing a new link between Woodbine and Cedarbrae, the overpass will maintain the Greenway pathway connection during construction of the Southwest Ring Road” said Fer. “A lot of people use the paths that are on either side for walking and cycling; this is a great addition of infrastructure to the area.”

“This is a much-needed community connection,” said Councillor Brian Pincott of Ward 11. “The pathways in this area are heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists. Providing these users a way to cross a busy road like Anderson is something we have all been looking forward to.”

Ward 13 Councillor Diane Colley-Urquhart agrees she’s been looking forward to this sort of community connection. “I’ve jogged and cycled on these pathways for a long time,” said Colley-Urquhart, “This is going to be great for the area. So many people use these pathways they’ll definitely appreciate having a safer way to cross Anderson Road.”

Community members and the media are invited to meet with the project team at the overpass’s opening on Saturday, October 29 from 9 to 10 a.m. on the Cedarbrae (south) side of the pedestrian overpass at Cedardale Crescent S.W. From there, attendees will walk with us across the bridge to cut the ribbon and hear a few words from Councillors Brian Pincott and Diane Colley-Urquhart on the Woodbine side at Woodbrook Way S.W. This is a family and dog friendly event.

For more information about the Anderson Pedestrian Overpass project, visit www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Pedestrian-bridges/Anderson-Pedestrian-Bridge.aspx.