The Town of Sylvan Lake is in the middle of redeveloping the section of road behind the NexSource Centre.
Along 48 Avenue, between 50 and 46 Street, has been completely ripped up to accommodate a whole host of changes for the street as part of the 48 Avenue Redevelopment Project.
The project directly relates to the opening of the NexSource Centre, according to Joanne Gaudet, communications coordinator for the Town of Sylvan Lake.
“We expected an increase in pedestrian traffic in the area after the NexSource Centre opened,” Gaudet said in a recent phone interview.
The expected increase in foot traffic around the new multiplex meant an update to the surrounding area was needed.
The updates are an effort to keep pedestrians safe along 48 Avenue. The plans include the addition of sidewalks along the avenue and improved lighting.
“The safety of our citizens is important, and adding these things, such as improved lighting, will help,” said Gaudet.
Adding to the overall safety of pedestrians will be the addition of new traffic lights at the corner of 48 Avenue and 50 Street.
Another effort to increase pedestrian safety will be the addition of a raised intersection at 48 Avenue and 48 Street.
There is other work being done along the street as well. Overhead services, which are not the responsibility of the Town, will be moved underground and updated. These service lines include; Fortis, Shaw and Telus.
While service lines are being moved, and the street is already ripped up, the Town will be adding a new storm water main.
The existing water and sewer lines will also be replaced during this project, as will the ATCO gas line.
“We like to replace the lines when we are already doing work in that area. That way we aren’t ripping up what has already been done,” said Gaudet.
The work on 48 Avenue, and subsequent street closures, began on May 23 when Border Paving began work.
Residents affected by the closure where notified via letter by the Town on April 6. Those residents whose driveways are affected by the process are supposed to have them reinstated to “existing or better condition” upon the completion of the project.
megan.roth@sylvanlakenews.com