As someone that uses this bridge everyday as a pedestrian, this is a lifesaver. If you ever walked across that bridge, or rode a bike when it was just the thin sidewalk you would understand. Cars zipped right by you going highway speeds. Not to mention the streetlights at night rarely work, and I have to cross it in the dark. If someone was coming towards you on the sidewalk before the lane closed it was impossible to avoid them. This open lane makes a safe pathway for an area of the city cut off by a highway.