Here's my take on Dupont
- get rid of the old bridge
- install a replacement pedestrian overpass not requiring a central support, preferably a thinner deck so as to ease the current height restriction*. Ideally, this new overpass would permit ramp and stairs access from the overpass level to the sidewalk level as well.
- delete the middle lane exclusion now that there is nothing to dodge, move the lanes closer together, widen slightly.
- raise the cycle lane to the footpath level - possibly raise the level of the combined path a touch. Move the railings from the property lines to the outside edge of the cycle path with a small wall/suitable drainage arrangements to contain snow cleared from cycle lane - if the overpass deck could not span the full width of Dupont then this could be where a support pillar either side could go.
- bury the hydro wires
Apart from drivers wanting to illegally park in the cycle lanes, everyone's a winner. Yes, it's more money, and the City should pay it. Given all the changes Metrolinx has made on their end, it's a valid contribution and a noticeable difference in the perception of the area.
* Question: would demolition and replacement require a minimum clearance where the current 4.2m is grandfathered?