A well-travelled road that passes by one of Coquitlam's most popular parks and a school will be overhauled next year.
On Monday, council-in-committee heard about the $2.7-million improvements planned for King Albert Avenue, between Blue Mountain and Gatensbury streets.
Located in the Austin Heights neighbourhood, which itself is about to be revitalized, King Albert runs in front of Blue Mountain Park and Como Lake middle school.
Traffic consultant Carlos Perez said the upgrades to the 800-metre corridor will finish it to a local standard.
The work includes: repaving the existing street; adding curbs and gutters; installing a new pedestrian signal at Blue Mountain and King Albert (which may proceed this year); improving on-street parking; and adding a three-metre wide pathway and street lighting on the northside.
As well, as requested by the principal of Como Lake middle, a new crosswalk with curb extensions to narrow the road will be put in to ease traffic and reduce safety concerns in front of the school.
The planned roadwork comes after an open house last October as well as consultation with School District 43 and officials from the United Church on King Albert.
The city intends to apply for funding from TransLink to pay for part of the project, Perez said.
Coun. Lou Sekora said the upgrades are long overdue and he's pleased that parking will be delineated near the sports field.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
