WINNIPEG - November 14, 2003 - Opening Esplanade Riel, the pedestrian bridge component of the Provencher Paired Bridges project, to pedestrian traffic, has been postponed until mid to late December.

The postponement is the result of delays in obtaining lights required for the west landing of the bridge and associated pathways connecting to The Forks, and Pioneer Avenue.

"Final design of these lights took longer than expected - consequently ordering and delivery was adversely affected," says Jim Thomson, Director of Public Works. "We can’t open the bridge until these lights are in place due to safety and security concerns."

Thomson says when the bridge opens, portions of the walkway around and west of the center plaza will be horded off to separate pedestrians from construction workers, as work on the center plaza building will continue throughout the winter.

He says a short closure of the pedestrian bridge may be required in spring 2004, to allow completion of final concrete works on the west landing and associated landscaping.