I did not realize that the Walterdale was designed to have the west shared use path become a fourth vehicle lane if needed, which explains it's wide width. A new SUP could be constructed on the west exterior of the bridge to replace the lost SUP:
I wonder if that plan is being looked at to give the bridge more capacity when the various bridge renewals begin next year. If it becomes four lanes, they could do two in each direction and convert Walterdale Hill Road to northbound.
If we had to go back in time and debate whether to build the Walterdale as it is right now vs. a simple bridge, I would choose that big arch 10x over. Easily an amazing visual add on to our skyline photos. I just hope they don't let any of the steel ever get into a state of disrepair.
I see it from our balcony everyday and it never fails to make me smile. Plus it's always busy, lots of people taking pictures, families out walking. This is what happens when we build something beautiful.