$7.3M upgrade to Macdonald Bridge bike ramp approved by Halifax council

Halifax regional council approved a proposal Tuesday night to build new on- and off-ramps for cyclists using the Macdonald Bridge, despite some concerns about the cost.

The $7.3-million project involves a new access point to the bike lane on the Dartmouth side and a flyover ramp on the Halifax side that gives cyclists the option to exit at North and Gottingen streets.

Coun. Matt Whitman (District 13, Hammonds Plains-St. Margarets) was the only councillor who voted against the proposal.

"I still feel that is just a huge number," he said.

"I think we need to come back with other ways to do it — it doesn't mean I don't love cycling."

$7.3M price tag causes concern

Coun. Tim Outhit also questioned spending millions on a single cycling infrastructure.

"Imagine how many protected bike lanes that money could create," said Outhit, who represents District 16, Bedford-Wentworth.

But the rest of council, including Mayor Mike Savage, see the new ramps as a critical part of a future network in the heart of the city.

Project could take up to 4 years

"This is the municipality saying come hell or high water, we are going to be a bike-friendly community," said Savage.

"It's not about who's on a [bike] now — it's about who's going to be on one in five years, in 10 years."

Detailed designs for the ramps and nearby bike lanes in Halifax and Dartmouth still have to be done. It could take up to four years to complete the project.