Downtown cycling, watermain project to start this summer

By Lethbridge Herald on July 18, 2023.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman A cycling and watermain renewal project will begin soon between 4 Avenue South and 7 Street South.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
LETHBRIDGE HERALD

A project the City of Lethbridge has been planning for several years will finally come to fruition this summer in the downtown core. 

In an email received by the Herald, the City states it is finally ready to begin a cycling lane and watermain renewal project on 4 Avenue  and 7 Street South, after several years of panning.

This project is scheduled for this summer after the successful completion of the 3 Avenue South and Festival Square project.

According to the email, the project was designed to incorporate the first protected cycling lane within Lethbridge that will connect existing cycling infrastructure and pathway connections.

The email states the project is kicking off in the next couple of weeks and will be completed in a phased approach to lessen the impact to businesses, to keep ample parking open for those wishing to visit the area, and provide good fiscal responsibility to taxpayers. 

“We’re doing this by incorporating the much-needed watermain renewal on 7 Street South and pavement rehabilitation throughout the project limits simultaneously through the same contract,” said Crystal Scheit, Urban Revitalization Manager with the City of Lethbridge in the email. 

In the email the city notes a few things those affected by the project should be aware of: 

* No more than one adjacent intersection can be closed at a time. This phased approach will allow more parking and roadways to remain open while the contractor completes the work.

* The City and contractors will communicate directly with adjacent businesses and stakeholders often during this work to keep you updated on the progress of the project. 

* Similar to the 3 Avenue South project, it is our intent to put up sandwich boards on the sidewalk informing customers that businesses are still open. 

* Sidewalks will remain open throughout the duration of the project, although some spot closures for crosswalk ramp work and some curb work adjacent to the street will be required.

The City will update the Get Involved Lethbridge website to provide direct communication as required throughout the project. Residents can subscribe to this project to receive these updates via email, too. 

“I know construction is very inconvenient for everyone and we will do our best to help you through this project. We’re excited about the long-term benefit of this exciting project as it will assist in connecting more people to businesses into downtown by adding another mode of transportation,” said Scheit. 

Follow @APulidoHerald on Twitter 

Comments are closed.