The final phase of Penticton’s lake-to-lake bike lane will feature not one, but two paths on either side of South Main Street, the city says.
The phase will feature a pair of concrete barriers, one on each side on South Main, confirmed Kristen Dixon, the city’s general manager of infrastructure who spoke with the Western News to share what people can expect when construction begins.
It took a “simple mistake” and eventual city council re-vote for the final $1.5 million section of the project to be included in Penticton’s budget for 2023.
With the controversial route back in the fold, Dixon spoke with the Western News about what people will see on South Main Street.
She says a concrete barrier will be built on each side of the road, similar to the city’s recent bike lane work on Atkinson Street, between Duncan and Kinney Avenue.
“There is already a painted line (along South Main), so it will take less effort to construct,” Dixon said.
She adds that the final phase will also take less time to complete.
Construction along South Main, set for between Kinney Avenue and south of Yorkton Avenue by Skaha Lake Park, will be easier than previous bike lane phases due to the road’s larger width, Dixon says.
The public will soon have an opportunity to weigh in on the detailed design for the bike lane’s final phase.
A city-led engagement period will commence within the next month, she says.
South Main Market owner Tracy Fehr expressed her concerns to council during a public question period earlier this month, after the bike lane’s final phase was put back in the budget. Part of final phase will be built in front of the market and she isn’t sure about how customers will be able to access and exit the parking lot.
When complete, later in 2023, the fully protected bike lane will be 6.7 kilometres in length.
READ ALSO: Another phase of Penticton’s lake-to-lake bike lane officially complete
Penticton coun. James Millers brought forward a motion during the city’s budget deliberations earlier this month, calling for the $1.5 million allotment set aside for the last phase of the bike lane to be removed.
His motion appeared to be successful following a 4-3 vote.
Coun. Ryan Graham requested a re-vote less than 24 hours later, saying he made a “simple mistake” when voting in favour of Miller’s motion.
The last phase of the bike lane was thrown back into the budget, after Graham changed his vote.
READ ALSO: Penticton’s bike lane is back in the budget