After three years of being closed to vehicles, Blackfriars Bridge could be open to them again.
A staff report going to the Civic Works Committee Tuesday recommends the bridge, dubbed one of the oldest in Canada, be re-opened. Under the proposal the historic structure would be restored to accommodate one-way eastbound vehicle traffic and westbound bicycles. There would also be room for pedestrians.
Staff say the elimination of westbound vehicle traffic would extend the life of the bridge and the installation of a durable bridge deck would eliminate the need for frequent closures for deck replacement work.
The cost to repair the bridge is estimated at $4-million with another $600,000 needed for road improvements.
Councillor Tanya Park, whose ward Blackfriars Bridge falls in, believes there is an immediate need to restore the bridge.
"When we look to the myriad of capital projects like Shift Rapid Transit, the Western/Wharncliffe Road Widening, and My Dundas we will see a significant amount of lengthy roadwork that will disrupt traffic flows in downtown. That being said, there is a definite short term need for vehicular access into the downtown via the Blackfriars Bridge."
Long term, Park sees the bridge being transformed into a crossing for cyclists and pedestrians only.
"Once the capital projects are finished, city council should reassess the need for vehicular traffic on the bridge and look to changing Blackfriars Bridge into an active transportation bridge."
Blackfriars was closed in September 2013 due to excessive deterioration. Prior to that, 4,500 vehicles a day crossed the bridge.