Vernon officials insist a third north-south corridor is required to avoid future traffic gridlock. Council has received a staff report urging the continuation of the Polson Greenway along 29th and 30th streets, between Polson Park and 43rd avenue. “It takes 10 to 20 per cent of the traffic off 27th and 32nd streets. It becomes a huge, major spine,” said Rob Dickinson, director of engineering. It’s anticipated the new route, once completed, could handle about 13,000 vehicles a day. “There will be fewer signals on this route compared to 27th and 32nd streets and it will be a shorter commute,” said Dickinson. If the greenway doesn’t proceed, Dickinson is concerned congestion on 27th and 32nd streets will become increasingly challenging. “When you have a route exceeding capacity, you see an increase in accidents and that’s what we’re trying to avoid,” he said. And the status quo could eventually mean the contentious western bypass plan through Mission Hill and Okanagan Landing resurfaces. “If we don’t look at every other option in our city, we will see that $500 million option (bypass) come before us,” said Dickinson. “It’s a significant expense and that expense for this community is unforeseen.” The first phase of the Polson Greenway was completed between 43rd and 48th avenues in 2011. “Those blocks have already seen increased traffic from 1,200 vehicles per day in 2005 to 4,800 vehicles per day in 2012, a fourfold increase,” said Dickinson. There are six more phases projected for the greenway by 2026, with a cost of about $11.2 million. Besides preparing for greater traffic volume, the work replaces underground infrastructure and the existing road surface. “The road condition report completed in January of this year indicates the 29th/30th street corridor is in fair to poor condition,” said Dickinson. The phase moving ahead for 2013 is from 41st to 43rd avenues. It will start in July and run until September.
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Full report at P.67-68 Agenda Package
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