TransLink unveiled its $10-million pedestrian-bicycle bridge Friday, linking Richmond and Vancouver along the Canada Line track way.
The bridge, which stretches across the Fraser River, took more than two years to complete and is the most expensive pedestrian bridge in Metro Vancouver.
"Cycling is no longer an option just within municipalities, but across them," Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said. "This bridge moves us that much closer to our goal of becoming the greenst city."
Environmental groups and cycling advocates were invited to be among the first to cross the bridge, alongside TransLink's CEO Tom Predergast and municipal councillors from Vancouver and Richmond.
"This bridge represents a vital part of our integrated transportation network," Prendergast said.
"If people in the region are to take cycling seriously as a commuting option, they need to have proper infrastructure in place."
The steel bridge will stay open 24 hours a day, illuminated by overhead lights. It opened three days ahead of the Canada Line rapid transit service, scheduled to begin service Monday, August 17.
For opening day, beginning at 1:00 p.m., the Canada Line will be free to all riders - provided they're willing to wait. Officials anticipate tens of thousands of passengers on the first day.
