Some area residents are concerned the recent demolition of a south Calgary pedestrian overpass has increased their daily commute time. 

After the bridge near Chinook Centre at 61 Avenue SW eventually deteriorated, the City of Calgary deemed it not structurally sound enough for public use, and on the evening of June 27, the demolition was completed.

To rectify the change, project manager Wondirad Wubneh said in an email statement that pedestrians can instead cross Macleod Trail using the Plus 15 bridge connected to CF Chinook Centre.

Pedestrians can also cross at 58 Avenue SW, where he said transit accommodations have been made to iron out transportation kinks, including the installation of an additional bus stop at 61 Avenue SW.

However, Chloe Ellen, a resident and former frequent user of the old bridge, said she would prefer a replacement bridge to accommodations.

“I wish that they made an alternative route further up Macleod, rather than just taking it down and assuming that everybody would be okay with the Chinook bridge,” she said. 

“Now there’s no option for anybody who’s further down south of Macleod to cross, unless you walk all the way to the mall.”

Why residents say accommodations aren’t enough

According to Ellen, there have been times when she goes to access the bridge late at night, but the doors are locked. 

“I was told that they were unlocked 24/7,” she said.

“But over Stampede, there were a couple nights where I was coming home at two, three in the morning and my friend and I couldn’t get into any of the doors.” 

This turned what was once a 10- to 12-minute walk into a 40-minute commute. 

Ellen noted that inconsistencies like this can make it confusing for the public to know whether or not they’re permitted to use the bridge outside of the mall’s operating hours.

In an email statement, Darren Milne, general manager at Cadillac Fairview Chinook Centre, which is responsible for deploying security throughout the property, said otherwise.

“The public portion of the pedestrian bridge, which is the portion over Macleod Trail, is currently open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” he said.

“We’re not aware of any incidents where pedestrians couldn’t access the pedestrian bridge.” 

Safety concerns another piece in the puzzle

Ellen often works late in the evening and said she has to walk home after her shift, since the only bus line serving her area stops running by 7 p.m.

She said that the Plus 15 bridge is the safer option compared to the old bridge since it’s enclosed and patrolled by security guards who can keep an eye on social disorder.

But Ellen said that another safety concern has arisen, with the influx of residents jaywalking across Macleod after not being able to access the Chinook Centre bridge. 

“When I have to walk up the side of Macleod, I see a lot of homeless people trying to cross Macleod Trail, just on their own free will because there is no open pedestrian bridge that they’re allowed over,” she said.

“Not having an exposed outdoor bridge for the general public is a big safety concern.”

Wubneh highlighted the city’s efforts to prevent jaywalking, saying they will re-evaluate these as time progresses.

“For pedestrian and driver safety, there are barriers and fencing between the northbound and southbound lanes, and we remind people to not jaywalk across Macleod Trail at any time,” he said.

“The city continues to explore options for future crossing options across Macleod Trail.” 

In a statement, Ward 11 Coun. Rob Ward acknowledged that the removal of the original bridge has raised hurdles for locals, but emphasized the bigger picture. 

“I understand this change may add approximately 100 metres of walking distance for some residents,” he said.

“However, ensuring the safety of pedestrians has to be the top priority, and this solution provides a safer and more secure route for everyone.”