By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Options to Fast-Track Much Needed Road Projects in the Works

Jul 11, 2016 | 7:56 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Traffic concerns in west Lethbridge could be addressed even earlier than anticipated.

On Monday, Council agreed to explore the cost of fast-tracking the first two lanes of Metis Trail and twinning of Whoop Up Drive.

As part of the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the twinning between McMaster and Jerry Potts Boulevard to 30th Street West is scheduled to be complete by 2022. Meanwhile, Metis Trail between Walsh and Whoop Up Drive is slated for 2024.

“If we need to borrow funds, our interest rates right now are quite low. So, it would make some sense to go ahead,” explained Mayor Chris Spearman.

“Of course we don’t want to presume that we would… We have lots of debt capacity, but at the same time, there’s a limit to the taxpayers capacity to absorb debt servicing costs.”

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Spearman added that he hopes to clear up traffic flow concerns, reduce emergency response times and increase access to the Crossing Leisure Complex, subdivisions and shopping centres in a more timely manner. The continued, rapid growth of west Lethbridge is the most major deciding factor.

The City Manager has now been tasked to explore all viable options, and report back to council with recommendations by September 6, 2016.

Since designs for both projects are already finished, Council can decide to go ahead as they see fit. It could also go ahead of next June’s CIP, so the City doesn’t miss out on the 2017 construction season.