When is the Mamquam Blind Channel Pedestrian Bridge going to be done?
That is the question locals may be asking if they have been excitedly keeping track of the crossing's construction.
Construction of the bridge is anticipated to be complete this summer, and then it will be handed over to the District of Squamish to make the drawbridge operational, according to Bosa Properties.
Building the bridge is a developer-led project by Bosa, as part of the SEAandSKY community on the east side of the blind channel.
Bosa confirmed via the District that all in-water piling work is now complete, and off-site fabrication of the bridge is currently underway.
"The District is preparing internally for the operational handover," District spokesperson Lilly Marie Peterson told The ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï.
Once complete, it will be open to pedestrian traffic. Waterway traffic will be accommodated by the drawbridge.
designed the crossing, which will be constructed of corten steel.
The design will include artwork by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artists Carla Spence and Calvin Dawson.
"Key features include designated viewpoints with seating, accessibility provisions, a double drawbridge for waterway traffic flow and an operator's kiosk for bridge management," reads the District's website regarding the project.
Construction of the bridge began in the fall of 2023 and was expected to be completed this spring.
The District relayed from Bosa that the complexity of marine work and required closures for marine life impacted the construction timeline.
Once complete, the bridge will be owned and managed by the District of Squamish.
As background, in 2017, the then-council approved the pedestrian lift bridge, which will connect both sides of the Mamquam Blind Channel at Victoria Street, as a developer amenity contribution.
"The pedestrian bridge will provide an important active transportation link for residents of [SEAandSKY], Valleycliffe, Hospital Hill, the St'a7mes community, and Downtown Squamish, creating more opportunities to walk and cycle to/from Downtown Squamish and further reduce the reliance on vehicle use," the District said at the time.
"The Corridor Trail connects to the new Clarke Drive bridge west of Highway 99, which will then easily connect to Downtown via this pedestrian bridge."
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