Red Deer approves $22.4 million for 19 Street revitalization

RED DEER, ALTA. — Drivers in Red Deer will soon have a smoother, safer ride.

City officials have approved a $22.4 million revitalization for 19 Street that is expected to be ready in 2023.

The project will reconstruct and revitalize 19 Street from Gaetz Avenue to 40 Avenue. Its scope includes road reconstruction, a new multi-use trail connection and a new roundabout at 19 Street and 40 Avenue. Construction is slated to begin this year.

“With the continued growth in southeast Red Deer, the 19 Street corridor has become an increasingly busy roadway,” said deputy city manager Tara Lodewyk in a press release. “The 19 Street corridor revitalization will improve safety, travel times, and the overall travel experience for both drivers and pedestrians in the area.”

Konrad Dunbar, engineering services manager, explained the improvements will help improve safety.

“The 19 Street and 40 Avenue intersection was identified as having the highest level of injury collisions for the amount of traffic,” said Dunbar. “With construction of a new roundabout, we can expect to see major collisions reduced by 50 to 70 per cent at this intersection.”

The roundabout is also expected to improve traffic flow and decrease wait times as has been seen at other roundabouts in the city.