Bridges = safer trails

Bridges might seem expensive and unnecessary for bicycle and pedestrian projects. But in the context of increasing safety by separating walkers and riders from car traffic, the benefit far outweighs the cost. And just as removing at-grade railroad crossings increases safety and allows the free flow of road traffic (bikes, cars, trucks), the benefit of removing at-grade trail crossings equally allows the freer movement of walkers and cyclists without the dangers of crossing busy roads.

How much a bridge cost varies greatly on a) length (b) phsyical approaches for crossing the road (c) property ownership (d) soil types and aesthetics.

Recent projects have ranged from a low of $10 million to $56 million for the John Lewis Memorial Bridge spanning Interstate 5 at Northgate. The Totem Lake Connector built by the City of Kirkland cost $22 million.