The blocked off section of 3 Ave South. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet / David Opinko

Downtown Revitalization

3 Avenue Reconstruction starts Wednesday

Jul 29, 2020 | 6:37 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – 3 Avenue South is getting a major face-lift starting Wednesday, July 29.

The 3 Avenue Reconstruction project gets underway, from 4 to 8 Street.

The City of Lethbridge says the work will provide important utility and infrastructure upgrades to the street. Additionally, it will enhance the aesthetics of 3 Avenue South.

“The underground infrastructure is actually over 100 years old,” says Project Manager Crystal Scheit. “There has been some work already completed on the sanitary lines – some of them have been realigned, but they will be relocating all the water lines as well as the services into the buildings up to property lines will be realigned.”

Originating in the Public Realm and Transportation Study of 2012, the project was approved by City Council in the current Capital Improvement Program with a total budget of just over $10 million.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 20, 2024

1h ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 23, 2024

Aug 23, 2024

City Councillor Mark Campbell says 3 Ave South is one of Lethbridge’s oldest streets and one of the most heavily-used.

Especially during a time of economic crisis, he believes this work is important.

“It is revitalization, it is to stimulate the economy. To get a construction team in here to get the work done, that is one form of getting the economy going. Also, this is going to be really enhancing the downtown, so bringing people to the downtown as it will still be open, but a little more inconvenienced.”

Once the work is completed, 3 Avenue South will boast Lethbridge’s first streetscaped design. Streetscaping brings together all of the elements that will give 3 Avenue a boost of character, including lighting, seating, paving materials, and plants and trees.

The City’s Urban Revitalization Manager, Andrew Malcolm, says he knows the construction will be disruptive to commuters, but crews will make every effort to minimize the impact on residents and surrounding businesses.

“We’ve done extensive public and stakeholder engagement leading up to the launch of the project and will continue that through the duration of the construction to keep everyone update on progress,” he said.

As the work begins, 3 Avenue South will be closed from 6 Street to 7 Street. Residents should expect closures rotating throughout the project area from now until the work is finished, which is expected to happen in the fall of 2021.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution in the area and follow posted detours. More details on the project can be found here.

A project office has also been set up at 616 3 Avenue South.