With the 19 Street Improvement Project in full swing, residents are advised to do a little pre-planning before attending Westerner Days between July 19 and July 23, 2023.
Construction has progressed well through the summer, and crews are able to reinstate traffic lights and left turns at the intersection of 19 Street and 49 Avenue for the festivities. Right turn only traffic accommodation will remain in place for the intersections of 19 Street and 46 Avenue and Sharpe Avenue. On July 24, 2023, the intersection of 19 Street and 49 Avenue will return to right-turn only to restore traffic flow through the construction area.
“The construction crew worked through the Canada Day long weekend following some rain delays and we are happy that we can open that intersection in time for Westerner Days,” said Russ Watts, Acting Engineering Services Manager. “We know Westerner Days is a boost to Red Deer hotels, campgrounds, stores and restaurants so we want to make sure everyone can access the grounds and enjoy themselves.”
Red Deer Transit has also made some adjustments to help people get safely through the area to enjoy the event. With the Transit stops on 19 Street near 46 Avenue closed during construction, Transit will operate a shuttle between the Bower Hub on Bennett Street and Westerner Park using Gaetz Avenue and 49 Avenue.
Temporary pedestrian crosswalks will be installed at the 19 Street and 49 Avenue intersection and near the southwest access gate into Westerner Park on 49 Avenue. The shuttle will depart that location and loop south through Gasoline Alley into Gaetz Avenue north back to the Bower Hub. While there are no timed stops, the shuttle will service all regular stops along the route except for the stop on southbound Gaetz near 20 Street. Call Transit Customer Service at 403-342-8225 for help planning your route.
“The rehabilitation of 19 Street is necessary, but we know the project has affected the businesses in that area,” said Watts. “The project team, Transit, and traffic sections all came together to make sure Westerner Park and the businesses in that area are accessible throughout the five-day festival.”
Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to slow down and obey all speed limits, crosswalks and signs while in construction zones. More information on the 19 Street Improvement Project can we found at www.reddeer.ca/19Street.