Port Coquitlam is asking residents what they would like to see happen to make it easier to get around more safety and easily while walking, cycling, driving and taking transit.
And how can those activities be made greener and help the city reach its goals of environmental sustainably?
Those questions and more are part of an update to the city’s master transportation plan now underway.
In the first master plan transportation update since 2013, the city is asking residents, business and other stakeholders to share their opinions in a survey at portcoquitlam.ca/letstalk until Apr. 19. Those who take the survey will be entered to win a $100 prize to a Port Coquitlam business of their choice.
According to the city, the updated master transportation plan will build on existing transportation plans and programs; use research, community input and practical solutions to identify and prioritize future transportation projects, and will include an include an Implementation plan with specific actions and costs.
CITY SEEKS A ‘GREENER WAY TO GET AROUND’
“Improving transportation and mobility is a key focus area for council, reflecting our ongoing commitment to getting the basics right in Port Coquitlam,” said Mayor Brad West in a press release.
“It’s important we hear from the community to ensure our new Master Transportation Plan works for everyone, from commuters heading to school or work, to families out for a stroll or ride, to truckers delivering goods to businesses, to people looking for a greener way to get around. We’re asking you to help us move in the right direction.”
Port Coquitlam began the process to update its master transportation plan last year. Work to date has included developing the terms of reference and evaluation criteria, hiring a consultant, identifying key issues and opportunities, and reviewing best practices, documents, policies and past community input.
Development of the plan and community consultation will take place over the next year , including additional opportunities for feedback as the draft MTP takes shape. The plan is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
PEDESTRIAN AND ROAD SAFETY UPGRADE UNDERWAY ON PRAIRIE AVENUE
Meanwhile, work is currently underway on an upgrade to Prairie Avenue, a major east west connector in the city.
Phase one includes sanitary and storm main upgrades along Prairie Avenue between Cedar Drive and Fremont Street. This work is in active construction and is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2021.
Watch for traffic signs and slow down in the construction zone.
Phase two includes road construction along Prairie Avenue between Coast Meridian Road and Burns Road.
Construction is scheduled for this spring and summer and the scope of work includes the following:
• 3.0m wide multi-use pathway on the south side of Prairie Avenue between Coast Meridian Road and Fremont Street
BOULEVARD TREES ALONG ROUTE AND ROUNDABOUT AT NEWBERRY STREET
• 3.0m wide multi-use pathway on the north side of Prairie Avenue between Fremont Street and Burns Road (pending Provincial Environmental approvals related to the waterway adjacent to the site between Fremont Street and Burns Road)
• Parking lanes on both sides of the roadway
• New traffic circle at the intersection of Prairie Avenue and Newberry Street
• New raised median east of the intersection at Prairie Avenue and Coast Meridian Road
• New LED street lighting
• Boulevard trees on the south side of Prairie Avenue
• Road reconstruction and new pavement
WORK ON MCALLISTER AVENUE TO START IN JUNE AFTER TENDER
In another major project, the city is also updating the McAllister Avenue streetscape to be a pedestrian-friendly area, with work to start possibly early June after tenders for the approximately $4.5 million project have been approved.
For a complete list of projects, visit here
