Improvements to Rosedale Avenue and a portion of Prairie Valley Road are now completed as the municipality held a ribbon cutting on Friday to mark the end of the construction project.
The improvements, which took place over much of 2010, include the construction of two roundabout intersections, sidewalks, bus pullouts and bike lanes on Prairie Valley Road.
“We are so pleased with the upgrades to these two roads,” said Mayor Janice Perrino. “The District of Summerland is very thankful to both the provincial and federal governments for their support of the project.”
The road upgrade cost approximately $4.5 million, divided evenly between the federal, provincial and local levels of government.
MP Ron Cannan said the project was a good example of teamwork.
“What it’s all about is working together in partnership,” he said.
MLA Bill Barisoff said the project will make the community more safe.
“Local residents now have access to sidewalks and enhanced lighting that will increase public safety and activity,” he said.
Perrino said the safety improvements will help people like Fred Urchyshyn, 92 years old, who walks along the portion of Prairie Valley Road every day.
He said the safety improvements are badly needed and have been long in coming.
“It’s wonderful,” he said “I never thought I’d see the day.”