Construction is starting this week on new protected cycling lanes downtown. They are part of a multi-faceted construction project along 7 St. S, which includes replacing 100-year-old water infrastructure between 3 and 6 Ave. S.
The new bike lanes will be along 4 Ave. S from west of Scenic Drive to Stafford Drive and along 7 St. S between 3 and 7 Ave.
“These will be the first protected cycling lanes within the city of Lethbridge and it’s a great project to really connect in some of the existing infrastructure from our pathways to our existing bike lane that already exists down on 7th Avenue,” said Crystal Scheit, urban revitalization manager for the city. “As part of the Third Avenue and Festival Square projects, these are great initiatives to help with the revitalization — to try to encourage Multi-modes of transportation downtown and really bring in the feeling of more patios and festivals and people coming down for various events to really support the downtown businesses.”
Watermain work starts today (Aug. 9) and requires full road closure. The project will be completed in phases and the city says it is expected to be completed by the end of the construction season.
“This is a great opportunity for us to leverage these projects together, utilize grant funding and existing operating budgets, to be able to come in and do the watermain replacement, provide a new surface on the roadway, as well as installing that new protected cycling lane,” Scheit said.
Businesses in the area will stay open during construction and the city says it will work to keep them accessible for visitors.
Executive director of the Downtown BRZ Sarah Amies said the work is necessary and proactive, but there is concern about disruption to business in the area.
“Overall, we will be really glad when it is over and that is completely understandable,” she said. “We are working very hard with the city to make sure that businesses on 7th Street remain informed — we provide updates through our social media channels on a very regular basis.”
The project is funded through the city’s operating budgets, from capital improvement program and external grants.