Work on Victoria Avenue moves into next phase

It may not look too beautiful right now, but the City of Regina is confident its Victoria Avenue Infrastructure and Beautification Project will pay off.

The multi-year, $6-million project moved into its next phase Wednesday, when crews started working on Victoria between Albert and Smith streets.

Chris Warren, the city’s acting director of roadways and transportation, said the infrastructure renewal program means the city will be upgrading and replacing things like concrete, asphalt and pavement structures.

But the beautification aspect means enhanced pedestrian crossings, bigger intersections, new curbs and better lighting to assist those who walk downtown.

“It’s a combination of both improving and replacing the current infrastructure as well as adding some amenities to increase safety and the enjoyment of people that are accessing downtown,” Warren said during a media gathering at the corner of Albert Street and Victoria Avenue.

On Wednesday, the project’s move to a new area meant traffic on Victoria was down to one lane in each direction between Albert and Smith. As well, sidewalks on the south side of Victoria from Albert to Smith were closed.

The work is expected to be done in three weeks.

“With our current schedule, we’re looking to have the concrete, the signal lights and the underground infrastructure completed by the end of September,” Warren said. “Then we would have our paving crews come in there and complete that project within about a week’s time.

“We’re looking at probably the first week of October to be complete on this project, weather permitting obviously and barring any unforeseen circumstances.”

The work will put a crimp in the plans of many Regina residents.

According to the city, 42,000 vehicles per day go through the intersection at Albert and Victoria and at peak time — between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. — some 280 pedestrians are in the crosswalks.

The city is putting up more signage to inform pedestrians and drivers about the changes that will be happening in the area as the work progresses. But residents can help their own causes as well.

“If people can avoid the area and take detours, we would always recommend that to minimize many impacts that they may have,” Warren said. “And, of course, (pedestrians and motorists should) plan ahead for that. Give yourself extra time.”

— With files from 980 CJME’s Britton Gray