Phase two of the 51 Avenue Redevelopment Project is scheduled to begin next week. The following improvements are planned for 51 Avenue (between 50 Street and 51 Street) during the upcoming construction season:
- Replacement of temporary asphalt sidewalks with new permanent sidewalks;
- Redevelopment and design improvements to the municipal parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue;
- Final layer of asphalt paving on the roadway and line marking;
- Installation of pedestrian crossings;
- Landscaping including new shrubs and trees; and
- Installation of benches and garbage receptacles.
The 51 Avenue improvements are designed to create a more accessible, pedestrian-friendly environment with features such as mid-block pedestrian crossings, new sidewalks and curbs with rolled edges.
Temporary one-way traffic
On Monday, May 8 (weather permitting), crews will prepare to begin removal and replacement of the temporary asphalt sidewalk on the north side of 51 Avenue with:
- The installation of no parking signs on the north side of the street; and
- A temporary lane closure that will limit traffic flow to one-way, eastbound traffic only.
- Parking will still be available on the south side of the street and in the parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue.
Once the new permanent sidewalk has been installed on the north side of 51 Avenue, work will move to the south side of the street with removal and replacement of that sidewalk. At that point, there will be no parking on the south side of the street and traffic flow will be limited to one-way, westbound traffic only.
Motorists are asked to drive with caution in the area throughout the 51 Avenue Redevelopment project and watch for posted signs and traffic safety personnel.
Access to businesses
Pedestrian access to businesses on 51 Avenue will be maintained throughout the project. Ramps will be installed to business storefronts during the replacement of the sidewalks. There will be a temporary interruption to storefront access for a few hours while concrete is poured for the new sidewalks at each storefront. However, alternate access options to these businesses will be facilitated at that time, allowing for continued customer access to 51 Avenue businesses throughout the construction period.
Once installation of the permanent sidewalks is completed, the roadway will be re-opened to two-way traffic and parking on both sides of the street will resume. Work will then begin on redevelopment and design improvements to the municipal parking lot on the south side of 51 Avenue, followed by the final layer of asphalt paving on the roadway, line marking, landscaping and the installation of street furniture.
During redevelopment of the 51 Avenue parking lot, street parking will be available on 51 Avenue. Overflow parking will also be available in the municipal parking lot at 52 Avenue and 51 Street across from the Ponoka United Church.
The 51 Avenue roadway will remain open to traffic throughout most of the project with the exception of a temporary road closure to accommodate the final layer of asphalt paving and the installation of pedestrian crossings.
“The redevelopment of 51 Avenue is a priority project that will improve the quality of life for the whole community for many years to come, as it will result in important physical improvements that will help revitalize the downtown,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.
He notes that a number of improvements to 51 Avenue were completed last year during phase one of the project. This included excavation and replacement of underground water, sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure, as well as lighting upgrades.
“This project is a critical capital project to promote economic development in our community and to attract new businesses, shoppers and tourism to Ponoka,” added Mayor Ferguson.
Construction on 51 Avenue will pause during Ponoka Stampede week. Weather permitting, the 51 Avenue Redevelopment Project is expected to be completed by the fall. A virtual video tour of the improvements being made to 51 Avenue is available on the Town website at www.ponoka.ca/p/redevelopment-of-51-avenue.
Regular updates will be provided to 51 Avenue businesses and will be posted on the Town of Ponoka website at www.ponoka.ca throughout the construction season.
If you have any questions about the project, please submit an Online Service Request on the town website at www.ponoka.ca.