I didn’t make a special trip, and I didn’t get a look at the stuff down in the river; but I did finally get a glimpse of the space in mid-air where the bridge used to be. The kids had pediatrician’s appointments, which took us across the river for the first time in a week. As I drove on University Avenue from Mark’s office to the clinic, and approached the 35W highway entrance, the first thing we saw were signs: a "No Right Turn" arrow and an orange one stating "This ramp closed starting June 18." The ramp was blocked by concrete barriers (for all I know those might have been up since the closing of the on-ramp to begin the resurfacing work). In front of the barriers, a couple of folding chairs, one of which supported a police officer. And the yellow caution tape, of course.
Beyond that, looking south, I could see the tilt of the approach span, which still holds a few silent cars at odd angles. It looks very much like a toy highway, left in scattered pieces by some giant’s child. I have seen the pictures, but I inhaled cold air when it came into view.
In with the new image, out with the old.
They are saying that the new bridge, a ten-lane span with room for LRT and bus lanes, will be fast-tracked. Firms that want to bid on contracts were to prove their qualifications by today. They want it in by the end of next year, which seems insanely fast; but at the same time it’s hard to believe I’ll be taking surface streets to cross downtown for the next year-and-change.
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