The first step of a project to address congestion at Kinney Avenue, between Skaha Lake Road and South Main Street, is now complete following the City’s purchase of property at 2509 South Main Street, located across from the Galt Avenue, South Main and Pineview Road intersection.
“The City has monitored traffic in this area for a number of years and has investigated various solutions during that time”, said City Engineer, Ian Chapman. “Several roads converge at Kinney Avenue where the current alignment and short length between South Main Street and Skaha Lake Road restrict capacity to accommodate increasing traffic volumes. The plan is to eliminate this bottleneck by creating more efficient connections around it.”
By way of a proposed roundabout at Galt Avenue, South Main Street and Pineview Road, this intersection upgrade forms part of a larger multi-site traffic management solution that also includes additional upgrades at Galt Avenue / Skaha Lake Road (new signalized intersection), Kinney Avenue between South Main Street and Skaha Lake Road (conversion to pedestrian and bike route) and minor lane marking upgrades at Warren Avenue / Main Street.
“The scope and complexity of these intersection upgrades requires a multi-year approach with 2020 focusing attention on property acquisition and building demolition at the 2509 South Main Street site”, said Chief Financial Officer, Jim Bauer. The overall construction of the three traffic management solutions is expected to be completed over the next few years, subject to priority setting and budget planning.”
Purchased for $1,460,000, the 2509 South Main Street property is the current site of the Shielings Motel, consisting of 13 one bedroom units. Following a required remediation of each unit, all 13 units will be demolished to accommodate a future road alignment supporting the proposed Galt Avenue, South Main Street and Pineview Road roundabout.
“The City is set to take possession of this property in March and aims to have all 13 units removed by year’s end. As 12 of these units are currently occupied, the City will work closely with and assist the effected tenants in transitioning to other accommodation”, said Bauer.
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