Just what the Island Park Bridge in Portage la Prairie could look like, or cost, is still up for debate. Last night, Council discussed a report from AECOM, which included multiple options for the bridge. Council had requested alternatives to the three-land causeway with three arched culverts (which allow passage underneath), after the estimated cost rose considerably, from $6.5 million to almost $10 million. The latest numbers from consultants indicate to move forward with the full project it would cost an estimated $8.45 million. However, once inflation and engineering costs were factored in it would be about $9.97 million.

Another option would be for Council to reduce the causeway to two lanes while maintaining the culverts at a cost of about $9.4 million. The next most affordable option is to keep the three lanes, but keep the causeway at its current height by eliminating the arched culverts. That option's estimated cost was closest to the original estimate, costing approximately $6.1 million. The single most affordable option would also see the least amount of change-- a $5.7 million causeway, with two lanes and no arched culverts. 

Melissa Draycott discusses bridge options

A price tag for the roundabouts was also included in the document, indicating that maintaining four-way stops instead of the traffic calming roundabouts would reduce the cost of any option by about $160 thousand.

Transportation Chair Melissa Draycott discussed the report with Council during last night's meeting, noting decisions would likely be made during deliberations for the 2017 budget. However, she says with so many alternatives on the table, the City needs to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality, and cost-savings.

"I don't think we want to lose the causeway functionality of it. We still want to have a nice structure that has a beautiful appearance that people will still get engaged on and take pictures. We don't want that to go away. At this point in time, we really need to consider what we want the causeway to look like, and how we want it to function."

While the cost of the project has skyrocketed, moving forward with the original plan isn't exactly off the table. Draycott says they're currently working on acquiring some funding from both levels of government, in hopes of helping to cover the cost of the much-needed bridge replacement.

"We have applied for some additional funding through the Manitoba Bridge Program and the Small Communities Fund. Those are up to 50 per cent, or even two-thirds of the total cost of the project. It will be interesting to see if we get any approvals on those. If we do get approval, why wouldn't we want the most beautiful, functional causeway we could possibly have."

While Council has many options to consider, one change to the plan is a guarantee. The entire bridge project is going to be shifted slightly to the east, in an effort to address an underwater water main. Draycott says keeping with the original plan would see the cost increase once again, as crews would need to work around that infrastructure. However, she says that underwater line also reinforces their commitment to maintaining the Royal Road Alignment, noting that water main would need to be integrated into the project if the causeway were to be aligned with Tupper Street.