The city of Terrace is laying out $40,000 for a transportation master plan which will provide a blueprint for the construction of roads and transportation networks.
With the prospect of increased industrial development, the study will also look at the predicted effects of “anticipated growth,” according to a city document outlining the study’s intent.
The study focus includes “current capacity and traffic loading of arterial and collector roadways; recommendations or confirmation of locations for future vehicle and pedestrian grade separations for crossing the railway,” the city document states.
Those latter two focus areas are in direct reference to the city’s long-held desire for a second vehicle route over the CN tracks which now divide the town, and another wish – that of a pedestrian overpass to better connect the south side with the north side of the city.
At the moment the Sande Overpass is the only way for traffic to cross over the CN tracks. There are level crossings at Kenney St. and at Frank St.
The study list includes consideration for improvements to both Lanfear and Kalum hills (the road up Kalum hill is called Skeenaview Drive), two of the three routes leading up to the bench area.
The road on Lanfear Hill in particular has become a topic of discussion and debate about its ability to handle more traffic based on increased residential construction on the bench.
The study will also take into account the city’s parks plan, currently being updated, as well as the city’s desire to increase bicycle routes and the plan for a mix of residential and commercial development on Keith Ave. west of the Sande Overpass.