By Tiffany Goodwein

Four to five-month road revamp planned for 32 Avenue in 2020

Jan 9, 2020 | 1:00 PM

Businesses along 32 Avenue in Vernon are in for an estimated four to five months of construction along their street in the coming year.

Vernon city council approved the finances for road revamp during budget deliberations in December.

Approximately 285 metres of road on 32 Avenue from 33 Street to 35 Street will be reconstructed. Crews will be putting in a new water main, storm, and sanitary sewer. Plans are also in the works to replace aging sidewalks or give them a facelift with some upgrades.

The total cost of the project is $1,950,000.

“So hopefully my parkade won’t flood anymore when it rains,” remarked Coun. Brian Quiring, following city staff’s presentation. His firm, MQN Architecture and Interior Design, is located along the portion of the road headed for construction.

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The city says outreach with nearby businesses will take place soon. A start date for construction will be determined once public consultation with affected businesses is complete.

“Obviously concerns will be on this project with businesses along this stretch. These are critical infrastructure adjustments, but we know what happens when we dig up downtown streets, and this is one that we will be reminded of constantly over 2020,” Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said.

With pedestrian and vehicle safety on the mind, Coun. Akbal Mund suggested a flashing crosswalk along 34 Street near Beach Radio.

“There’s a lot of people that use that crosswalk there, and I know it’s very busy on that corner,” Mund said.

The city’s transportation manager said an intersection upgrade is planned and staff will explore new measures at the 34 Street intersection to keep both pedestrians and vehicles safe.

“We are doing a detailed analysis of the traffic counts at this intersection to see if traffic signals are warranted, or if not, if an upgrade to pedestrian facilities alone are required, but we are considering all options,” said Amanda Watson, transportation manager for the City of Vernon.

In November 2019, a woman was struck by a truck while attempting to cross the street along 34 Street and 32 Avenue.

A consultant’s report also listed the intersection as the 15th worst intersection in the city, with 22 crashes in a five-year period.

The 32 Avenue road reconstruction is one of two major capital projects planned for 2020.

Another road makeover is slated to occur along Pleasant Valley Road from BX Creek to 48 Avenue. The project is pegged to cost just over $1 million. New curbs and gutters, a storm main, and a treatment device to remove sediment are among a few upgrades included in the project. A start date is yet to be finalized but the city hopes to finish the project by Fall 2020.

by Tiffany Goodwein

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