Pedestrian upgrades for Todd Road are being planned for 2019.
Image Credit: Google Maps Street View
March 09, 2016 - 6:30 PM
KAMLOOPS - The Todd Road pedestrian upgrade will go ahead as planned in 2019, without any plans to accommodate cyclists.
The city held a public consultation Feb. 10 to hear about Barnhartvale residents’ thoughts on the planned sidewalk. The community has long been worried about pedestrian safety on Todd Road and in 2013 the roadway was named one of the worst in B.C. because of pedestrian and cycling safety concerns.
In the March 8 city council meeting, a report from the consultation was submitted to council. City engineering manager Deven Matkowski told council the main concern residents had was the safety of children walking to Robert L. Clemitson.
Coun. Arjun Singh said while he was at the meeting residents raised concerns about the construction timeline, as the project has been discussed for years. Singh said residents weren’t happy to see other similar projects moving forward while Todd Road isn’t scheduled until 2019. The report also noted concerns about past delays.
City CAO David Trawin said reprioritizing the project would mean either increased costs or putting off other projects. Councillors voiced concerns about reprioritizing certain projects after city staff has already scheduled them.
A motion on reprioritizing the upgrade did not pass council.
Matkowski also said adding a bike lane to the Todd Road upgrade isn’t possible due to the width of the land available. Specific details have not been planned, including whether the sidewalk would be raised or at street level.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Brendan Kergin at bkergin@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016