Red Deer civic leaders will meet with Red Deer County counterparts over Alberta Transportation’s major plans to redesign Hwy 2 between the 32nd Street and McKenzie Road overpasses.
City council decided on Monday that it was best to consult with county leaders and provincial officials over any concerns before mid-February, when public consultation may end. Improvements to Hwy 2 could begin as early as 2012, with completion slated by 2014 or 2015.
The province wants to get moving on a number of changes to the highway, including having a one-lane exit off of the Hwy 2 northbound lanes into Red Deer.
A flyover is also proposed on the south end of Gaetz Avenue so that drivers wouldn’t end up in the southbound lanes of much faster Hwy 2 traffic as they do now. In order to eliminate any cross-mingling between drivers coming onto the highway and those wishing to enter Gasoline Alley, the southbound off-ramp on the northwest end would be closed.
Highway traffic would get into Gasoline Alley west via a new overpass at 32nd Street, which would then take them several kilometres down a collector road towards the highway commercial area. The other alternative is for drivers to use the McKenzie Road overpass, which would take them back towards the highway strip gas stations and restaurants.
Councillor Tara Veer said the city needs continued dialogue with the province.
“The Hwy 2 and Gaetz Avenue intersection is critical so it’s important the design is to satisfaction of our citizens,” said Veer.
Council will reinforce the need to include trail links for pedestrians and cyclists into the overall plans, particularly when it comes to linking the city with Gasoline Alley in the county.
Council is also concerned the proposed second northbound off-ramp from the highway corridor leading into Gaetz is only one lane, not two. It also wants to make sure that high-speed rail, whenever that takes place, will be considered. Council also believes the north highway connector, which will be a north/south ring road on the city’s east side, must also be taken into account.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com