New pedestrian crossing in Coaldale completed under budget

A new pedestrian crossing is making things a bit safer for residents in Coaldale. 

Mayor Jack Van Rijn says new pathway lighting has been installed along the new Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing. The lighting marks the end of the construction project. 

“The project delivers a safe, well-lit, and fully accessible pedestrian connection between Highway 3, 18th Avenue, and the high school and Multi-Use Recreation Centre,” the mayor states in a social media post. 

Van Rijn notes that some key elements include a three-metre wide paved pathway along 26th Street, upgraded crossings, safety fencing along the CPKC right-of-way, as well as coordinated rail and signal improvements. 

The pathway portion of the Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing project in Coaldale, seen on January 15, 2026. (File photo: J. Goulet, My Lethbridge Now)
The pathway portion of the Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing project in Coaldale, seen on January 15, 2026. (File photo: J. Goulet, My Lethbridge Now)
The Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing project pathway in Coaldale, seen on January 15, 2026. (File photo: J. Goulet, My Lethbridge Now)
The Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing project pathway in Coaldale, seen on January 15, 2026. (File photo: J. Goulet, My Lethbridge Now)

The mayor says now that the lighting has been installed, “there are no outstanding construction items, aside from typical post-construction requirements”. 

Some of those components include minor landscaping touch-ups that are slated for the spring, along with standard warranty items, which Van Rijn says will be monitored as part of “normal close-out procedures”. 

UNDER BUDGET 

The mayor states that the project was done under budget. The original budget for the project was set at $1.45 million, and the final cost came out to about $1.206 million. 

Portion of the Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing project pathway, with the Shift Community Recreation Centre seen in the distance, January 15, 2026. (File photo: J. Goulet, My Lethbridge Now)
Portion of the Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing project pathway, with the Shift Community Recreation Centre seen in the distance, January 15, 2026. (File photo: J. Goulet, My Lethbridge Now)

The provincial government supported the project with a grant of $544,600. 

“Thank you to Minister Grant Hunter for his support and advocacy in securing this funding and for recognizing the importance of investing in infrastructure that strengthens communities and improves quality of life,” Van Rijn remarks. 

“Thank you to the Town of Coaldale Infrastructure team for their expertise and due diligence in seeing this project through to completion.” 

The mayor says the project will be formally closed out this year, and the pathway will continue to be monitored to ensure it remains safe for the community. 

Justin Goulet
Justin Goulet
Justin Goulet brings over a decade of experience to the Lethbridge newsroom. He started his career in Ontario before moving to Vancouver Island in 2014 to work with Vista Radio. He moved to Alberta in February 2019 and joined the Lethbridge team in June 2024. Justin is excited to share the stories of southern Alberta.
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