Delta council this week approved a contract award at $584,000 for the Nordel Way Multi-Use Pathway Project.
It will include a 3.5-metre-wide asphalt multi-use pathway on the east side of Nordel Way, street lighting improvements, pavement markings and signage.
The multi-use pathway will provide a dedicated off-street travel lane for cyclists and pedestrians along Nordel Way from Weigh Scale Road to River Road.
Having gathered public feedback on the concept, the city notes the route was identified for improvements as part of recommendations from the Delta’s Cycling Master Plan Study.
The city notes the improvements are to provide cyclists with a safe and protected route connecting to the existing multi-use pathway on Weigh Scale Road and tie-in to the existing on-street bike lane on River Road.
Coun. Lois Jackson at council’s July 25 meeting wondered why the city is spending so much in an industrial area for such a project, saying it has “very little foot traffic” and is not one of the major pedestrian routes.
Mayor George Harvie disagreed, saying the route is well used and the improvements will make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Coun. Dylan Kruger said its one of many safe cycling routes the city plans to add and it is not an “either/or proposition.”
Council this year received a draft of a new cycling master plan for Delta.
The plan identifies city-wide network gaps, community connectivity, improved safety, cyclist education opportunities and improved infrastructure maintenance.
