French Creek Bridge
French Creek Bridge Update – February 2013
The
new "Share The Road - Narrow Bridge" signage is now in place. The new
signs are erected in advance of the bridge and the existing signs which require
all cyclists to use the sidewalk (both approaches) have been removed. This way,
those cyclists that want to use the sidewalk can continue to do so. However
those that feel safer regarding staying on the road are now able to legally do
so with the comfort that drivers are warned of the narrow bridge and the
possibility of encountering cyclists.
Feedback on the new signs
We
would like to ask that you take a couple of minutes to let us know how you feel
about the new signs. A Feedback Form can be found at the bottom of this page.
Feedback on accidents on the Bridge
We
would like to ask that you take a couple of minutes to let us know about any
cycling accidents that you have been involved in or have witnessed on the
French Creek Bridge. A Feedback Form can be found at the bottom of this page.
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French Creek Bridge - Sign Option.pdf
Size : 223.52 Kb Type : pdf |
French Creek Bridge
Engineering Report
In
November we received a report from the Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure (MOTI) on improvements to the French Creek Bridge. This report
resulted from concerns raised by the Oceanside Cycling Coalition (OCC) re.
cyclists being able to safely cross the bridge using either the existing
sidewalks or the bridge roadway. In June of this year we conducted an online
survey where we asked participants to let us know: a. any safety concerns they
had re. the bridge and b. suggestions for improving these concerns. The 60 plus
survey respondents overwhelmingly raised concerns about the condition of the
existing sidewalks and strongly suggested widening the sidewalks.
In
August, at the French Creek Bridge, we presented the survey results to
Engineers from the Regional MOTI offices in Nanaimo. They agreed to address two
main issues: a. possible changes to the existing signage on the approaches to
the bridge as it relates to cyclists. Currently cyclists are supposed to only
use the sidewalk and to yield right-of-way to pedestrians. b. options for
widening the sidewalks. We also looked at any other simple improvements that
could be completed to make the sidewalk entrances safer. Shortly after the
meeting, the ends of each of the four concrete dividers at the entrances to the
sidewalks were painted by maintenance personnel from Emcon with yellow
fluorescent paint to improve the visibility of the entrances.
Bridge Sidewalk recommendations
The
MOTI engineering report looked at 3 options for widening the sidewalks: 1. to
1.5 metres, 2. to 2.0 metres and 3. to 2.5 metres.
Note: The existing width of the sidewalk – railing to railing is just under 1 metre. The cost of the options ranged from:
Option 1 $410.00 to Option 2 $488,000 and Option 3 $ 555,000. The report recommended Option 2 as the best solution.
Quoting the report “Unfortunately, this is not an amount that the Ministry can afford to fund at this time, given other priorities around
the District. We will however ensure that this project is added to our unfunded projects list (for future consideration) and the widening
of the sidewalk will also be considered during future bridge rehabilitation and/or replacement projects.”
Note: The existing width of the sidewalk – railing to railing is just under 1 metre. The cost of the options ranged from:
Option 1 $410.00 to Option 2 $488,000 and Option 3 $ 555,000. The report recommended Option 2 as the best solution.
Quoting the report “Unfortunately, this is not an amount that the Ministry can afford to fund at this time, given other priorities around
the District. We will however ensure that this project is added to our unfunded projects list (for future consideration) and the widening
of the sidewalk will also be considered during future bridge rehabilitation and/or replacement projects.”
Click on the Link below for the complete report
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FRCkBridge survey results.pdf
Size : 264.408 Kb Type : pdf |
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MOTI French Creek Bridge Sidewalk report.pdf
Size : 6357.799 Kb Type : pdf |
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Feedback on the new Share
The Road signs
We would like to ask that you take a couple of minutes to let us know how you feel about the new signs. Please take a couple of minutes to let us know how you feel about the news signs.
We would like to ask that you take a couple of minutes to let us know how you feel about the new signs. Please take a couple of minutes to let us know how you feel about the news signs.
Feedback on the "Share The Road" signs
Have
you ridden across the bridge since the new signs have been installed?
Yes
No
No
How
do you feel about the new signs?
Accidents on the French Creek Bridge
OCC
is asking for your feedback on any accidents that you have been involved in or
have witnessed on the French Creek Bridge. We hope to present this information
to MOTI officials in order to help with trying to make safety improvements to
the sidewalks on the bridge. Please take a couple of minutes to let us know
what happened by filling-in the French Creek
Accident Feedback Form below
French Creek Accident Feedback Form
Name
E-Mail
address
Approximate
Date of Accident
Details
of Accident
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