A new multi-use pathway along 15th Street and Middleton Way has been designed to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The pathway, currently under construction, will be located between Kosmina Road and 21st Avenue. It will be shared by both pedestrians and cyclists and will be physically separated from vehicular traffic with concrete barriers and bollards. The barriers will help increase safety for the elementary and high school students that commute from the East Hill and Middleton Mountain neighbourhoods, as well as all other community members using the pathway.
“The construction of a protected pathway was identified as a top safety priority by residents during public engagement sessions on the City’s capital projects,” said Dwight Wright, transportation technician and project manager. “The City is committed to expanding active transportation modes and we are pleased to get this project underway this year. We are hoping that all users will feel an increased level of safety along 15th Street and Middleton Way.”
Before construction of the pathway began, bike lanes were available to cyclists on both sides of the roadway, however, there wasn’t a designated area for pedestrians to walk, leaving them with little choice but to walk along the shoulder lanes adjacent to traffic. After project completion, both pedestrians and cyclists alike will have a safe route to travel.
The project is being performed by the City’s Operations staff and will be completed in two phases: (i) 21st Avenue to Highway 6 and (ii) Highway 6 to Kosmina Road. The first phase is ongoing and the second phase will be completed in Spring 2020.
Other improvements of the project include a crosswalk on 15th Street at 14th Avenue for easier access from the bus stop to the Vernon Health Unit and a crosswalk on Pottery Road on the western leg of its intersection with 15th Street.