Delta council recently approved awarding a $5,97 million contract for the initial phase of a major upgrade project planned for one of the city’s busiest roadways.
The first phase of the 72 Avenue Roadway Improvements Project, which takes place from the BNSF Overpass to 115 Street, consists of the relocation of the curb, gutter and sidewalks as well as new street lighting along the corridor.
There’s also going to be new traffic signals at Westview Drive, 112 Street and 113 Street, in addition to drainage improvements and a concrete median island along the centre of the avenue to create a four- lane roadway.
The project also includes rehabilitation of the existing parking lot at Heath Elementary school, including landscaping and installation of a rain garden.
Costing $322,000, the parking lot improvements will be funded by the Delta School District.
A report to council notes the school district has expressed interest in improving the parking lot at the elementary school to include a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone for students.
The city is working with the school district on a project funding agreement and that project will be brought forward to council in a separate report at a subsequent council meeting.
As far as the roadway improvement project, the construction will require a temporary road closure of Westview Drive at 72 Avenue.
The Delta staff report notes that closure will serve to reduce traffic congestion along 72 Avenue during roadwork construction.
At this time, it is anticipated that the road closure could last for a period up to three months, the report notes, adding efforts will be made with the contractor to minimize the closure duration.
A detour using Kittson Parkway will be implemented and a comprehensive public notification program will be implemented to advice residents and motorists of the change.
