Photo by Vince Fedoroff
BRIDGE BECOMES CAMPAIGN PLANK – Yukon Party election candidates Danny Macdonald (left) and Mark Beese discuss the bridge concept at this morning’s news conference on the edge of Riverdale.
Bridge would improve safety, ease congestion
A re-elected Yukon Party government would work with the City of Whitehorse to plan a second bridge over the Yukon River.
A re-elected Yukon Party government would work with the City of Whitehorse to plan a second bridge over the Yukon River.
A second bridge would ensure continuous safe access to the Riverdale side of the Yukon River, which includes Whitehorse General Hospital, the ambulance station, and continuing care facilities, party representatives pointed out at a news conference this morning.
Such key issues as the location and the cost remain unknowns, however.
“All residents of Whitehorse will benefit from a second bridge to Riverdale; it will also ensure that all of Whitehorse continues to have access to emergency and health services even in the event of an emergency,” said Danny Macdonald, the Yukon Party candidate for Riverdale South.
“As our community continues to grow, it’s important that we begin this planning now.”
A second bridge would also help relieve traffic congestion going to and from Riverdale, the party said.
“With five schools located in Riverdale, new opportunities, and a growing population it is anticipated that traffic between Riverdale and the rest of Whitehorse will continue to grow,” the party said in a statement.
“We’ve heard consistently from citizens in Riverdale that they want to see solutions for traffic issues going to and from Riverdale,” said Mark Beese, the party’s candidate for Riverdale North.
“A second bridge will help reduce that congestion while also facilitating growth throughout the entire city of Whitehorse.”
Planning would include consultation and working with the City of Whitehorse to explore the timing, location, and design.
Approximately $100,000 would committed to this work, the party vowed.
Once that work is done, options for funding such as federal infrastructure funds would be explored.
Due to the single Robert Campbell Bridge, former mayor Bill Weigand expressed concerns in the early 1990s when it was decided to build the current hospital on the site of its 1950s-era predecessor.
The most common location informally discussed over the years has involved a bridge leaving Second Avenue, perhaps near Ogilvie Street, to connect to the river’s eastern shore.
That was before residential development near the river and the creation of Shipyards Park, however.
Years ago, a Yukon Party government under the leadership of then-premier Dennis Fentie spent a large of amount of money on engineering studies to explore building a bridge over the Yukon River at Dawson City to replace the existing ferry, but opted not to proceed due the multimillion-dollar cost of such a structure.
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Comments (47)
Up 1 Down 1
Pjt1959 on Oct 26, 2016 at 8:58 pm
@north of 60 - safety is real. Who thought that 2 communities in Alberta would burn up so it is real and try driving a vehicle on the Rotary bridge. 9 11 showed how things happen in the in the real world. That is my rant.
Up 3 Down 13
Liberals and NDP against better life style and safer communities on Oct 25, 2016 at 3:24 pm
I thought the liberals stated they will support the communities! Is this not supporting communities.
Up 9 Down 17
Mark Sanders on Oct 24, 2016 at 7:41 pm
The road to the dam is often very slippery and snowy in winter. In an emergency there may be a need to sand and remove snow which would take away precious time.
I sincerely think the bridge emergency evacuation issue should be up front in discussions with emergency response to ensure there is a plan.
Up 26 Down 7
Lost in the Yukon on Oct 24, 2016 at 4:44 pm
If there is ONE thing the Pharmacist and his merry band of miscreants have been good at, it is spending money on studies that go nowhere. This is another example of trying to create the illusion of doing something but actually doing nothing.
Up 9 Down 19
Why are the liberals so troubled on Oct 24, 2016 at 4:11 pm
over helping the City of Whitehorse residents to have a better life style and safe one.
Up 29 Down 3
rusty on Oct 24, 2016 at 2:56 pm
I think part of the problem is certainly the number of parents who don't live in Riverdale but drive their kids to school there each morning. I think to truly alleviate this problem we need to look at improving our school bus system, routes, number of buses ect. Now obviously bussing is something that just doesn't work for some families, but if we got more kids on buses and less cars coming in and out of Riverdale during peak hours it would make a difference
Up 21 Down 9
north_of_60 on Oct 24, 2016 at 2:25 pm
@Pjt1959 -- exaggerating the 'safety concern' doesn't help. True emergency access across the dam and trail bridge can be open in minutes if there is a need. There are personnel at the YE plant 24/7.
It sounds more like a desire for un-restricted access at a second crossing for convenience. That's fine as long as Riverdale residents and helicopter parents pay for it directly.
Up 11 Down 12
Pjt1959 on Oct 24, 2016 at 12:56 pm
I would like to see a second way in and out of Riverdale. Having it is a safety issue having seen accidents on the bridge and no way for emergency vehicles to go. I would hate to see someone die because there's no way to the hospital or in a fire as emergency vehicles cannot get through. Yes, I saw the comments about the dam and Rotary bridge but vehicles would need keys for the dam and vehicles cannot get across the other. Fire danger is real and with a park and open fires it's going to get more so. It would also mean that repair work on bridges could be done faster. Another school slated for Riverdale and this park means more traffic. Yes have lived in Riverdale for over 30 years and if there is a death caused by a bridge closure then everyone that disagrees now will be demanding it.
For the person who called them "looking like mobsters" is just like social media start to bullying, for the comment about driving more I guess you do not have anything that has or causes pollution. That is my rant.
Up 16 Down 9
Max Mack on Oct 24, 2016 at 11:46 am
Second access route to Copper Ridge, Grainger, Arkell, McIntyre, etc . . . check.
Second access route to Porter Creek and Crestview . . . check.
Second access route to Valleyview, Takhini, Hillcrest . . . check.
Second access route to Riverdale?
Up 17 Down 7
Lyle Lanley on Oct 22, 2016 at 3:21 pm
another bridge ? BAHHHH - that's Shelbyville thinking
Whitehorse needs a MONORAIL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDOI0cq6GZM
Up 15 Down 21
The Yukon Party government did not say they are building the bridge on Oct 22, 2016 at 3:10 pm
but study the need for a bridge.
Again it is not $40 million dollars.
This is a short span bridge.
Liberals and NDP must be unset they never thought of this idea.
Up 21 Down 5
Mark Sanders on Oct 22, 2016 at 11:59 am
Its not a bad idea but is it really needed?
Think one pressing consideration is where to build it. Where will it be needed in the future. With the new Chadburn Lake Park its likely that Riverdale will not increase that much in size.
There are options that can increase the efficiency of the existing road network.
Up 17 Down 15
Concerned for safety on Oct 22, 2016 at 9:56 am
My concern about not having a second bridge is safety. It took me 20 minutes to get from the Grey Mountain School to the hospital for an appointment. What happens if/when there is a forest fire behind Riverdale like the one in Ft. McMurray? At this point there is no way the one bridge with two lanes would be able to handle the flow of traffic coming into Riverdale to get children and possessions and the stream of traffic trying to get out of Riverdale.
Take a look back at 9/11 when the Korean jumbo jets were forced to land here instead of Anchorage, I could of walked from downtown to Riverdale faster than the people driving. (Don't you think that the city should be placing the emergency routes, etc. Either in the paper or in phamplets every few months?.Haven't seen a public one one since 9/11). And don't tell me that the road over the dam will make a difference. If there is an serious and life threatening situation the road over the dam and the bridge with two lanes is not going to be enough. If that situation ever happens the blame of residents being stranded or injured is on the shoulders of all the politicians and city planners and government leaders who should be looking out for the welfare of their residents.
If families not living in Riverdale but having children attending school in the community would send their children to school on the school bus instead of dropping them of on their way to work there wouldn't be as much traffic.
Up 28 Down 11
ProScience Greenie on Oct 22, 2016 at 5:48 am
Someday a 2nd bridge across the river will be needed but now is not that day. Especially not with our tax dollars which would be better left in our pockets.
And yes, enough of this driving your kids to school everyday thing. They are not so precious that they can't ride the bus with regular kids.
Up 26 Down 5
Roger on Oct 21, 2016 at 8:33 pm
Why is it that we only hear ideas (good, bad, and the useless) at election time?
Everyone has big dreams in the job interview....then they get the job and where do the ideas and motivation go?
Up 9 Down 9
Mark on Oct 21, 2016 at 5:39 pm
@Otto $50 million bridge? What do you want, the Golden gate bridge?
Try $16 million. And that's bidding high. Your figures are crazy. Stay out of politics. That's too funny. Hire an outside contractor. Lots to choose from.
Up 38 Down 14
Hugh Mungus on Oct 21, 2016 at 4:06 pm
This just reeks of desperation. Their platform is a plan to do a study? Pretty thin gruel.
If the idiots in the COW planning branch and YG had the foresight they would have put the new hospital and the new FH Collins in the geographic centre of town (ie near the AK Hwy and Two mile) thus alleviating the rush in the AM and PM and the hospital would be more centrally located.
Some posters mentioned adding a 3rd lane on the bridge. That will do nothing because the feeder lanes in and out of Riverdale are single lanes. You're simply moving the choke point from the downtown side of the bridge to the Riverdale side of the bridge.
Up 39 Down 14
Rick of the Universe on Oct 21, 2016 at 3:53 pm
YEESH - these guys look like mobster toadies - not urban planners
Up 27 Down 7
Otto on Oct 21, 2016 at 2:28 pm
All five Riverdale schools have first bell between 8:30 and 8:35. So the solution to traffic is very simple and cheap: have the high schools start their day 20 minutes later.
As any Riverdale commuter can tell you, there is no traffic problem in the summer when the schools are closed. Even days like today when only one school was closed (today it was Selkirk) have much less helicopter parents coming into the neighbourhood.
Recent research shows that teens need more sleep anyways (e.g. https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep)
The only problem with this plan is that it could make the school bus schedules less efficient. If you had to pay for extra school buses to compensate, I'm sure it would still cost a staggering amount less than the cost of another bridge ($50M, at least).
Up 18 Down 25
Moose Dr on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:51 pm
I have tested the traffic leaving Riverdale every morning. I am glad that I don't have to face it every day. A new bridge is necessary! I have only two questions: why has the Yukon Party delayed this discussion until the election, and will any of the other parties promise to address this necessary issue.
Up 24 Down 6
Riverdale res on Oct 21, 2016 at 12:42 pm
Wilf, city services are not "already there" re your upper bench idea.
And, there is not much flat land there anyhow, so why invest the money it would take to develop (infrastructure, access etc) for only a few lots. Subdivision development isn't cheap.
To those going on about the privileged in Riverdale, not all of us want a second bridge. I'd be willing to wager that many people clamouring for a second bridge to "ease congestion" are residents of other subdivisions who are dropping their kids off at one of the schools in Riverdale. When school is out, there is NO congestion. Another reason why rebuilding FHC in Riverdale was very short sighted. And another school on this side (French high school)? That's madness which assures I won't be voting YP.
Up 8 Down 20
Why don't we build a subdivision on the upper bench behind on Oct 21, 2016 at 11:55 am
Rive dale to go with it? There is lot of space there and the City services are already there.
That existing bridge is a safety problem because it was not built to handle the traffic flow safely if you take a look at it.
Up 13 Down 9
Craig on Oct 21, 2016 at 11:45 am
Adopt a balanced approach, that mitigates risk and reduces cost.
As suggested, make the current bridge 3 lanes, with a "swing" middle lane depending on time of day.
Building a new PEDESTRIAN / BIKE bridge (much cheaper than a full car bridge), but that is capable of taking limited emergency vehicles if needed (if existing bridge is unusable for some reason).
With the Dam backup, this is a good balance of functionality, risk mitigation, cost reduction and just good common sense.
No need for a full size, 2 lane with sidewalk, SECOND bridge.
Up 12 Down 6
Kenneth Walker on Oct 21, 2016 at 6:32 am
Just throw up the old bailey bridge that was for years our only crossing other than the dam.
Up 17 Down 41
Jim on Oct 21, 2016 at 2:32 am
This bridge seems like a good idea to me, I will definitely vote/support the candidate who can make it happen.
Up 20 Down 22
real change on Oct 21, 2016 at 1:27 am
First thing that should happen is a municipal reassessment of all properties in Riverdale. It's just ridiculous that property taxes in Riverdale are half what they are in other neighbourhoods. These people inRiverdale want a second bridge let them pay for it. Even better put up a toll bridge, it would pay for itself in no time.
Up 19 Down 18
Mandeep on Oct 21, 2016 at 12:35 am
I looked at this during my unsuccessful bid for mayor. There are a few things of note:
1. The bridge is already mentioned in the OCP for Whitehorse. It's not a matter of whether it's needed it's a matter of when it will get done.
2. Trudeau has said that there will be a boost for funding on infrastructure upgrades, (this was one of my reasons for bringing it up), now would be a great time to lobby government to get additional funding for the bridge.
3. One proposed (albeit) difficult plan for the bridge is to connect to Selkirk (pardon me if that's not correct). . . and go for a straight shot through to fourth ave (connecting to the current traffic circle. The benefit of this is it would provide a second corridor for traffic into and out of Riverdale that wouldn't be impeded by a failure of the bridge. The suggestions of adding lanes is great (and I AGREE with that, however if the bridge fails, the number of lanes makes no difference).
4. The City of Whitehorse would be hard pressed to fund this project with it's current budget. If you have the territory jumping on board... why look a gift horse in the mouth? (The Whistle Bend sports complex comes to mind).
5. This isn't a way to encourage people to drive more; it's a way to better the commute for everyone.
6. And to the tax burden... again, there is federal money available for new infrastructure projects. Now would be a great time to get on board.. . or on the bridge if you're those weird punny type people that laugh at their own jokes.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/where-will-125-billion-in-infrastructure-spendinggo/article28228477/
Up 24 Down 10
riverdale resident on Oct 20, 2016 at 11:46 pm
I'll take the traffic over the city ripping up part of the millennium trail to make room for a new bridge any day. I know for a fact that when the bridge was widened a couple summers back that the construction was set up to enable the bridge to be widened even more in the future.
Up 9 Down 8
Riverdale Kid on Oct 20, 2016 at 11:23 pm
Maybe we don't need it. Hamilton extension was built because the long suffering residents of the old Copper Ridge neighbourhood needed an alternate access in case of emergency. Like the road might get wet or muddy. They certainly don't have the luxury of being able to swim to safety like the ingrates of Riverdale.
And if we cow down to the residents of the only subdivision in Whitehorse that actually has a traffic problem then might I suggest a causeway extending from the south end of 4th ave and through the undeveloped land behind FH Collins and connect to Nisutlin Drive?
Up 14 Down 4
WastelandKave on Oct 20, 2016 at 11:07 pm
Really?
http://yukon-news.com/news/second-bridge-to-riverdale-not-in-the-plans-says-city-official/
Up 37 Down 5
BnR on Oct 20, 2016 at 11:02 pm
Improve safety and ease congestion. Ok, please cite the stats showing the safety issues this would improve. Oh, right, there are no safety issues.
Ease congestion, for the 2 rush minutes we get? Want to ease congestion? Get more kids using the bus rather than their parents driving them to the schools of Riverdale.
Up 35 Down 6
T on Oct 20, 2016 at 8:13 pm
Just want to set one thing straight, as it seems this is a little known fact: there are 2 other bridges than can be used in the case that the Robert Campbell Bridge isn't accessible. 1) There is a bridge over the Whitehorse Rapids Dam that emergency personnel have access to; 2) The Rotary Centennial Bridge on the Millennium Trail. Both have been designed for ambulance/fire truck loading and are a part of the City/YG's emergency planning.
Up 34 Down 7
Jonathan Colby on Oct 20, 2016 at 7:51 pm
The level of pandering this election cycle is phenomenal, especially from the good Ol' Boys. Oh, the waste, the waste.
Up 10 Down 11
Mark on Oct 20, 2016 at 7:35 pm
The location is simple, from roundabout on south access directly across the river to Selkirk St.
By doing this traffic completely decreases and south Riverdale can use that and North Riverdale residents can use existing one. Kids can be dropped off at the rear of schools or front depending on their best route.
Money should be diverted from special interest handouts and city, federal, and municiple feeding troughs. Are you telling me this isn't obvious Mr. Mayor, Mr. Premier, Mr. Prime Minister?
Up 35 Down 6
iceberg on Oct 20, 2016 at 6:30 pm
MacDonald & Beese will have plenty of time to wait at the bridge as neither will need to go to the legislature. What this does illustrate, however is just how desperate the Yukon Party is to get elected again by promising just about anything like soccer complexes and bridges.
Up 19 Down 8
north_of_60 on Oct 20, 2016 at 5:41 pm
@Don "Ditch the side walks and add another lane to this bridge."
Quite a few people were saying that back when those expensive bike lanes were added to the bridge. Mayor & Council are still in a greenwashed frenzy to make driving inconvenient and coerce people into walking or riding a bike.
Up 34 Down 5
Mark Koepke on Oct 20, 2016 at 5:27 pm
I am a long-time resident of the Riverdale North riding, and I think a second crossing would be a ridiculous waste of money. I know I am not alone in this opinion.
Maybe Mark Beese needs to make more of an effort to canvas opinion from ALL of his potential constituents. I have been personally visited by the NDP candidate three times, and by the Liberal at least once. In prior elections, I have regularly been called upon by candidates--not just late-stage campaign volunteers--representing every single party.
Sadly, in the five long months since Mr. Beese was acclaimed as the Yukon Party candidate for this election, I have found no evidence that he has EVER attempted to personally visit my household. Five months is plenty of time for any prospective "representative" who takes his job-application seriously.
I can only assume that the candidate has been delaying his visit until he had something intelligent to offer. If this announcement is any indication, I suspect I'll still be waiting for that knock on my door when November 7 has finally come and gone.
Up 23 Down 9
Joe on Oct 20, 2016 at 5:00 pm
How did this party ever get the right to call themselves the Yukon party? They are a mixed party with blurred lines, mostly conservative based so they are the Conservative party of the Yukon. Is there a legal right to use the Yukon name?
Up 44 Down 29
Riverdale res on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:51 pm
First of all, where would you put a second bridge to Riverdale, assuming we really needed one, which we don't. It's a case of we want a second bridge to Riverdale. So back to the first question, location. If it's a case of adding a lane to the current bridge, well that's probably the cheapest option assuming the current bridge could be upgraded. Have it on a light for different times of the day.
Regardless, this is a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. The money would be better spent elsewhere, but hey, it's an election, and the YP are spending like drunken liberals back in Chrétien's day.
Up 32 Down 12
Max Mack on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Frankly, I welcome a solution to the problem of the too-small bridge and single-access route for vehicle traffic into and out of Riverdale.
What I don't welcome is the added tax burden that will inevitably result. Even if a new or modified bridge is entirely paid for by infrastructure money from the Feds and YTG, the City will depreciate the new asset value resulting in higher expenses and, therefore, a need for higher revenue (aka taxes).
Up 47 Down 18
Petronius on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:21 pm
And by the way they are not the yukon party. they are the conservative party of yukon.
Up 34 Down 40
Petronius on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:19 pm
oh and by the way, let's find ways to encourage people to drive more, more and more. That movement to go green is old thinking and will likely wash up. Ya Right conservative party. You are the ones washed up.
Up 48 Down 20
Don on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Ditch the side walks and add another lane to this bridge. Have the center lane direction alternate between morning and afternoon rush hours. Build a pedestrian bridge along side the bridge and call it good. There...just saved you a piss pot load of money and everyone is happier. Time to grow up and put on your big city pants and getter done Danny.
Up 16 Down 13
Martin on Oct 20, 2016 at 4:03 pm
Yes, it's Too Funny; except that I am sure the "position" is already selected
Up 44 Down 16
Alex Gandler on Oct 20, 2016 at 3:50 pm
HUH ? How is this (except for later funding negotiations with ALL level of governments) anything but a CITY OF WHITEHORSE issue ?
Up 68 Down 11
Too Funny on Oct 20, 2016 at 3:18 pm
hahahahahah $100,000 for a study that been done too many times. That money will simply pay for a bureaucrat to sit in an office for about 6 months copying and pasting the old studies and then saying..... it's still not economical. What a joke. I can't wait to apply for THAT job! lol
Up 54 Down 19
Petronius on Oct 20, 2016 at 3:00 pm
ohhh what a promise: We'll consider working on a plan to develop a new strategy. Ha! what a joke. I'm going lol all the way across that bridge on my way home today.