By Jasmine Franklin
Effective immediately, 57th avenue out to Highway 2A will become a temporary truck route while the regular route, 50th street, undergoes construction.
In a town council meeting March 23, it was decided the new route would be implemented to allow for 50th street to be upgraded making the road suitable for heavy trucks.
“The standards of the (50th street) road now do not meet the requirements for heavy trucks,” said Brad Watson, town manager. “Trucks trying to cross the 53 avenue crossing are not fitting. It’s a safety issue.”
Trucks will have access to the northeast industrial area but will not cross the river.
Construction is scheduled to begin and be completed in 2010. The road will be both upgraded and redirected between the York and Christian School property.
Once the construction is completed, 50th street will again be designated as the truck route.
Watson said residents in the area of the new temporary route were not informed beforehand of the changes and said letters will be distributed to those effected.
Gerald Matichuk, director of engineering and planning, said tender on the project will be closing this week and financial figures can then be released.