More sidewalks improvements are coming to the city including North Delta streets where none exist.
Council last week approved a contract for a consultant to design the construction management of sidewalk improvements to infill missing sidewalks in several neighbourhoods.
Improvements will include new 1.5 metre-wide concrete sidewalks and new LED street lighting.
The new sidewalks will be installed adjacent to the existing curbs and will tie into the existing sidewalks.
The sidewalk program for 2021 in North Delta includes:
80A Avenue - East of 117 Street to 116A Street
116A Street - 80A Avenue to 81 Avenue
81A Avenue - 116A Street to 117 Street
117 Street - 81A Avenue to 82 Avenue
81 Avenue - East of 116A Street
Delcrest Drive - Delwood Drive (southeast corner)
79 Avenue - 114A Street to 115 Street
113B Street - 85 Avenue to 86 Avenue
85A Avenue - 113B Street to 115A Street
85 Avenue - 113B Street to 115A Street
115A Street - 85A Avenue to 85 Avenue
The projects have a total cost of $1.45 million.
Construction of the project is scheduled for summer and fall 2021.
An engineering department report notes the North Delta sidewalk improvement project is essential at this time to enhance pedestrian safety and increases neighbourhood livability and accessibility of the community.
Meanwhile, council last week also approved a sidewalk replacement project on 12th Avenue in Tsawwassen that had been put off last year.
Due to tree roots heaving the sidewalk and creating trip hazards for pedestrians, the removal and replacement of a portion of concrete sidewalk along the boulevard area of 5550 12 Avenue was to be completed as part of the 2020 Neighbourhood Road Improvement Program.
As the works are within both the municipal road dedication and private property, the project costs were to be shared with the property owner, AL. Scott (Bayside) Inc.
However, council last year was told Bayside could not support the cost-sharing project at the time as its commercial tenants were experiencing the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A report to council notes discussions with Bayside earlier this year indicated it was preferable to defer the sidewalk replacement until 2022.
However, Bayside recently came forward with a request to expedite the project.
The project will include removing the street trees and planting suitable replacements using an appropriate root barrier that has been used successfully in various locations within Ladner Village.
As well, the affected concrete sidewalk and plaza area will be replaced with coloured concrete in an effort to match the existing unaffected area.
“The completion of this project will provide an overall improved streetscape that will provide long-term benefits for the overall community. These include new sidewalks, new street trees with appropriate root barriers, LED street lights, irrigation system, and power receptacles for festive lighting,” the report notes.
The capital work is projected to cost approximately $325,000 with Bayside picking up $60,000 of that amount.
During council’s discussion on how the trees’ root systems damaged the sidewalk, city manager Sean McGill noted it’s a problem elsewhere in city.
Trees that were part of more recent developments have been damaging sidewalks and driveways within a few years of being planted, which has prompted the city to look at how it can ensure appropriate trees are planted in appropriate areas, he said.
