Landscaping is well underway along the newly-paved Grand Trunk Pathway multi-use extension with more features coming to the final section connecting the city west to the Kalum River Bridge.
The current pathway route runs on the south side of Hwy 16 immediately adjacent to the CN tracks to Frank St., but because there is not enough room to continue to the bridge on the south side, the extension runs adjacent to the highway on its north side.
There are a number of entrances and exits to properties and intersecting streets along the extension and that means the city will be adding measures to increase safety and visibility.
“A variety of painted crosswalks, bollards, and new signage will be installed at key crossings and potential points on conflict between traffic and pedestrians,” explained City of Terrace Communications Advisor Tyler Clarke of what can be expected.
Bollards, which are the short vertical posts now commonly used as traffic control devices, will deter vehicle access to the pathway.
While there is no plan to repave the sections of city streets multi-use pathway users have to cross, Clarke said there is consideration being given to patch up asphalt that is in poor condition.
One area of concentration is the Frank St. and Hwy 16 intersection where vehicle, pedestrian, cycle and other traffic is controlled by signal lights.
With pedestrian, cycle and other traffic expected to increasingly cross the highway as use of the new multi-pathway extension grows, the city is also planning work there as well.
“The city is making improvements to the sidewalk letdowns on the northwest, northeast, and southeast corners of the intersection, said Clarke.
The remaining crosswalks belong to the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
But Clarke did add discussions are underway between the city, the transportation ministry and CN for more safety and visibility measures at the intersection.
Aside from safety and visibility measures along the extension, the city will be adding garbage cans and benches.
One portion of the extension remains untouched and that is the section running through the Kalum Motel property.
Its owners and the city failed to come to a purchase agreement and the city has taken steps to expropriate the portion of the property it needs.
The dollar value the city will pay is established by an independent market assessment.
Work is to start as soon as the city receives legal title.