It’s a popular urban trail for cyclists and walkers alike. And soon, a portion of the Gilmore Urban Trail could be getting a facelift.
The city is considering making improvements to the 3.3 kilometre trail that follows the Gilmore Avenue/Diversion/Way from William Street by Willingdon Heights Park to Sanderson Way.
According to a staff report, the basic idea is to improve the existing network between Canada Way and Still Creek Drive and address deficiencies in the existing trail from Still Creek to Dawson.
More specifically, the project has two major components:
The southern component is the Gilmore Highway 1 Overpass and Gilmore Diversion and the proposed changes include upgrades to pedestrian, cycling and transit facilities on the overpass and streets within a 640-metre section along the trail.
The northern component is Still Creek Drive to Dawson Street and involves work to address the trail portion that has started to sink below the road and rail line.
The report also noted the project will provide an opportunity to complete a 4.6 km, 30 to 45 minute urban trail walking loop in the area.
Last week, the city transportation committee had a chance to view the plans.
While the committee was generally in support of the project, there was concern over one part of the plan to close a slip lane at the intersection of Myrtle Street and Gilmore Diversion.
The project calls for a new signal to allow for a safe controlled crossing for trail users, and employees and visitors accessing nearby businesses.
The report noted the closure of the slip lane would eliminate conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists and provide parking for the nearby pump station and safe driveway access to a businesses in the area.
Coun. Sav Dhaliwal said the committee was concerned the slip lane closure would be problematic for traffic.
“Staff has done a fair amount of studies in terms of daily traffic, and they’re pretty confident for the foreseeable future that would not be a problem,” he told the NOW, adding the committee ultimately supported the recommendations.
Dhaliwal said he’s happy with the project suggesting the trail will be safer for users with the proposed changes.
As for a cost, that hasn’t been determined.
The proposal is being sent to the city’s finance committee to determine a budget for the project.
If approved, the project will go out to tender in the spring with work being completed by the end of 2016.
