The City of Terrace’s long-standing project to expand its multi-use trail network has taken another step forward with the paving of the one-kilometre pathway from the corner of Apsley St. and Lakelse Ave. East to the Old Skeena Bridge.
Completed just before the bridge re-opened to traffic on May 27 following an extensive rehabilitation of that structure, the three-metre wide pathway running parallel to Lakelse Ave. on its north side now provides a separate and safer route connecting the downtown with the bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and others.
The pathway replaces a narrow and inadequate shoulder that placed pedestrians, cyclists and others in close proximity to the vehicle roadway.
Work on the $1 million project began last year. The cost does not include approximately $200,000 to stabilize the rock face looming over a section of the pathway.
Planning for the pathway, formally called the Lakelse Gateway Connection Project, dates back to 2018 and its construction complements the city’s multi-use pathway extending west of the city to the Kalum River Bridge. The final leg of that pathway was paved just several weeks ago.
With the route from Apsley St. to the Old Skeena Bridge now paved, workers will begin installing planters and benches and parking barriers.
A large sign meant as a welcoming gateway will be installed on the corner of Apsley St. and Lakelse Ave., close to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 13 building.
Both pathway projects were financed with a series of provincial and federal grants.
Those using the pathway travelling back and forth to Thornhill using the Old Skeena Bridge will notice another improvement. Part of the rehabilitation of the bridge involved the construction of a series of bump outs or mini-platforms extending out from the sidewalk, reducing congestion on the sidewalk itself.