COURTENAY, B.C- Another river crossing could be in the cards for the Comox Valley.
The City of Courtenay is currently working on a master plan for transportation in the city over the next 20 years, with a series of open houses and citizen consultations being held to gather the input of the community into what needs to happen.
The latest open house is set for this evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the upper hall of the Florence Filburg Centre in downtown Courtenay.
One of the items being presented tonight will be the question of a river crossing. According to a news release issued by the city, issues around limited river crossing options have been “areas of concerns” for residents.
After the city’s transport consultants reviewed traffic patterns, the road network, environmental impacts, and drainage, multiple directions were proposed for the next 20 years.
Those included the extension of 17th Street from Highway 19a to Back Road, the addition of a new bridge crossing at 21st Street, a widening of the Highway 19a bypass, a widening of Ryan Road, and additional regional connections beyond the 20-year plan.
“A crossing south of 17th Street has the greatest potential to divert traffic from congested areas and accommodate increased growth in years to come,” read the city’s news release.
The creation of a “spine” cycling network in the city is also set for presentation, along with walking trail connections.
The transportation master plan is still under development.
