Temp truck crossing

Motorists can expect an increase in heavy truck traffic and delays on Ray Gibbon Drive later this month as construction begins on phases three and four of Riel Park redevelopment.

Throughout the construction period, which is to run from July 23 to Nov. 30, a temporary road crossing will be available roughly 400 metres south of the Sturgeon River bridge.

During working hours a trained flag person will be on-site to adjust and control temporary traffic lights marking the crossing.

Beginning Sept. 3, trucks will be restricted from accessing the crossing from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.

A portion of Red Willow Trail will be closed temporarily between Levasseur Road and the Sturgeon River bridge until fall 2013.

More downtown parking

Grandin Park Plaza will open its parkade to residents this fall during weekend and holiday events.

The mall’s management company, Amacon, signed a no-cost agreement with the city to open 250 covered parking stalls, beginning on Nov. 11 for the Remembrance Day celebration.

“It’s important to the City of St. Albert that we have a thriving downtown, where residents and visitors alike can come together and celebrate,” said Mayor Nolan Crouse in a press release. “By making it easier for people to find parking, we are encouraging them to visit and do business in downtown St. Albert.”

Parking will be available during annual events like the Snowflake Festival, Rainmaker Rodeo parade, Northern Alberta Children’s Festival, St. Albert Farmers’ Market, Canada Day and Rock’n August.

Rapid transit plan

Council unanimously approved the development of a rapid transit master plan, which will include a budget, source of funds, consultation process and timeline.

“I think this would be an important and key step in the evolution of St. Albert Transit in particular as it responds to the developments and expansion of Edmonton Transit with the LRT likely to come up to St. Albert in a 10 to 15 year time span,” said city manager Patrick Draper.

City administration will bring the master plan proposal to council on Oct. 29.

Comments

NOTE: To post a comment in the new commenting system you must have an account with at least one of the following services: Disqus, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, OpenID. You may then login using your account credentials for that service. If you do not already have an account you may register a new profile with Disqus by first clicking the "Post as" button and then the link: "Don't have one? Register a new profile".

The St. Albert Gazette welcomes your opinions and comments. We do not allow personal attacks, offensive language or unsubstantiated allegations. We reserve the right to delete comments deemed inappropriate. We reserve the right to close the comments thread for stories that are deemed especially sensitive. For further information, please contact the editor or publisher.