Option 1 of the Osborne Street Bridge rehabilitation project, which will extend from River Avenue to Broadway along Osborne Street. (winnipeg.ca)

People in Winnipeg's Osborne Village had mixed reactions after getting a look Thursday night at the city's plans for a $17-million makeover of the Osborne Street Bridge.

Some say the changes won't ease traffic congestion in the popular shopping district but others welcome the wider sidewalks and the addition of bike lanes on both sides.

"Its a step toward safety — providing somewhere for people to ride their bikes that isn't the sidewalk. I've flown up against the rail from people on their bikes a few times [while] walking over the bridge," area resident Jason Van Rooy said while at the city's open house at Holy Rosary Church on River Avenue.

The proposed plan for the Osborne Bridge will extend its lifespan by 75 years and keep pedestrians safer from motor vehicle traffic. (Google Maps)

Basil Lagopoulos, who owns Basil's Restaurant, which is scheduled to re-open in the spring, calls the project a disaster.

"Osborne Village has, by example, provided its citizens with an alternate lifestyle and it is slowly becoming a freeway," he said.

There are two options being considered for the project, which will extend the lifespan of the 33-year-old bridge by another 75 years.

The main difference between the options is the the space dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists. Option 1 features 2.7 metre-wide sidewalks on borth sides, 1.8 metre-wide bike lanes and a concrete barrier separating them.

Option 2 features a 4.1 metre-wide sidewalk on the west side of the bridge (next to southbound traffic lanes) for both pedestrians and cyclists. On the other side would be a 2.5 metre-wide sidewalk and 1.2 metre-wide shoulder on the road for cyclists.

Regardless of the option chosen, the bridge deck as a whole would be widened by about 1.5 metres.

The preferred choice recommended by the city's Neighbourhood Advisory Committee (NAC) is Option 1, primarily because it keeps pedestrians safer by separating them from cyclists.

A new street level crossing for pedestrians and cyclists is proposed at Mostyn Place, indicated by the orange line crossing both the northbound and southbound lanes. (winnipeg.ca)

Cyclists on the bridge will be able to link to two nearby active transportation routes: the Nassau Street route, which will connect along Roslyn Road to the Osborne Bridge, and the Assiniboine Avenue bikeway to the north.

As well, a new street level crossing for pedestrians and cyclists is proposed at Mostyn Place.

Also, the Winnipeg Arts Council (WAC) has made a grant available to incorporate public art into the refurbished structure. The selected artist, chosen through a jury process coordinated by the WAC, will work closely with the engineering and design team, states the city's website on the project.

The art might involve the railings, finials or other aspects of the bridge.

"The artist will consider input received through the collaborative planning process and public consultation including the concept of a subtle gateway to mark the transition from the lively, pedestrian-focused Osborne Village at the south end to the stately Legislative Building to the north," states the website.

Construction is set to start in April and be completed by fall 2012. Work would only be done and restricted to happen between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekend and holidays in compliance with the city's noise bylaw.

The bridge will be open during construction with a reduced number of lanes.

Option 2 of the Osborne Street Bridge rehabilitation project features narrower bike lanes and sidewalks. (winnipeg.ca)