The Editor,
Re. "Bailey bridge closed Sunday for inspection" (The Tri-City News, Feb. 28).
As an occasional user of this route, I have seen the unnecessary bottleneck that is created by not having a two-lane bridge.
The reluctance of New Westminster to OK such a bridge across the Brunette River does not truly benefit citizens of either New West or Coquitlam. In fact, it potentially allows more air pollution (through unnecessary vehicle idling), causes more traffic delays (by constricting traffic flow both on Brunette, Braid and United Boulevard), and potentially causes economic damage to businesses along United Boulevard (by further limiting access to those businesses).
A two-lane bridge could open up other possibilities that presently are not available, such as bus service directly from the Braid Skytrain down United Boulevard, and even open the door to possible safer cycling options.
I think it is time for New West to re-evaluate the bailey bridge over the Brunette and work with Coquitlam in creating an enhanced route that will be beneficial to the citizens and businesses of both cities.
Michael Bell, Coquitlam
