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August 18, 2008
(Red Deer, Alberta) – Construction on the Gaetz Avenue and 32 Street improvement project is set to begin in the third week of August.
“Construction will begin in 2008 and proceed in stages along Gaetz Avenue. With a project of this scale, there will be some lane closures and traffic delays but traffic will be kept moving through Gaetz Avenue and 32 Street at all times,” said Tom Warder, Engineering Services Manager.
Once construction is complete the additional lanes will mean improved traffic flow for drivers:
- Gaetz Avenue will be widened to six lanes between 34 Street and 30 Street.
- A new traffic signal will be installed at the 34 Street intersection.
- 32 Street will be widened to six lanes between Taylor Drive and 49 Avenue.
- It will then transition to four lanes west of 47 Avenue. A new traffic signal will be installed at 51 Avenue and the existing pedestrian traffic signal will be replaced with a full signal on 49 Avenue.
“In order to begin widening, approximately 20 trees on both sides of Gaetz Avenue will be removed between 34 Street and 32 Street. As construction moves south on Gaetz Avenue it will be necessary to remove approximately 80 more trees,” said Warder.
The City always looks for ways to preserve and move trees whenever possible. In this case because of construction and infrastructure needs it was not possible to keep the trees. Once construction is complete the entire area will be landscaped and replanted to similar density.
This improvement project will enhance safety, traffic flow and make the area more pedestrian and bicycle friendly by adding a bicycle and walking path on the west side of Gaetz Avenue. It also looks to alleviate some of the delays and congestions experienced in this area. The intersection of Gaetz Avenue and 32 Street is one of the busiest in the city. Motorists experience long delays and wait in long queues that often extend through adjacent intersections.
“If the intersection is not upgraded today’s congestion problems will get worse as the city grows,” said Warder.
For more information about traffic disruptions and lane closures for the Gaetz Avenue and 32 Street Project log on to www.reddeer.ca/roadclosures.
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For more information, contact:
Abdul Samad
Project Engineer
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8759
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