CBRM News

CBRM Council welcomes news of pedestrian and cycle overpass

June 18, 2014

SYDNEY, NS - Cyclists and pedestrians will have a safer path through one of Sydney's busiest intersections.

The provincial government has confirmed they will construct an overpass over the 125 highway to connect downtown Sydney and the Grand Lake Road multi-use trail at the Mayflower Mall. The overpass is part of the municipality's Active Transportation Plan, but its future was in doubt as the province was opposed to constructing it.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Mayor and Council received confirmation from Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan that the overpass will be built.

"The information we have from the Minister is that the province will build and maintain the overpass," said Mayor Cecil Clarke. "We are working with the province now on our obligations for snow clearing and upkeep."

"I'm very pleased that the province has reconsidered this project and it will proceed," he continued. "We had considerable concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety at one of our busiest intersections in the CBRM."

The province is proposing converting the existing intersection to a roundabout. The overpass will ensure cyclists and pedestrians can avoid navigating the roundabout.

"I want to thank Minister MacLellan for his proactive approach for dealing with this challenge. This is the type of engagement the CBRM Council has been looking for from the Premier and his colleagues," said Clarke.

CBRM estimates the cost of the project at $1.5 to $1.8 million