Access to downtown Drumheller could become more convenient with a proposed connector road which would join Highway 56/South Dinosaur Trail at the 6 Avenue Southeast intersection, near Freson Bros, to 2 Street East near the Community Futures Big Country building.
Acting Infrastructure Services director Kelcie Wilson presented a first glimpse at the proposed connector road to the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, October 10.
“This is an opportunity to drop you right into downtown,” Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Darryl Drohomerski tells the Mail.
Initially two options for the alignment of the connector road were considered, either to connect Highway 56/South Dinosaur Trail and Railway Avenue East via 2 Street East or 3 Street East.
However, following a feasibility review and based on various factors, including the geometry of the alignment, connectivity, and the “overall goal of the Downtown Area Revitalization Plan (DARP) initiative,” it was recommended to consider the connection via 2 Street East.
There are no budgetary estimates at this time, and CAO Drohomerski notes the item will be returned to council as part of the 2024 Capital Budget introduction on November 6.
He adds the alignment is “a bit more complicated” than just putting in the roadway infrastructure, as the land on which the road will be built is owned by two separate entities, neither of which are the Town of Drumheller, and will also require involvement from the province.
Another less technical piece which the Town will need to consider is the relocation of the current recycling facilities, located along Railway Avenue East near the 2 Street East intersection.
“The revitalization plan aims at improving land, buildings and other infrastructure within the Downtown Core,” says a statement from the Town of Drumheller. “The intention behind projects such as this connector road is to further solidify the Downtown Core as a place that is thriving, vibrant, clean, charming and inviting for people of all ages.”
Development of the connector road is among the projects, including construction of the new Downtown Plaza on 1 Street East, and ongoing upgrade projects at Centennial Park, which the Town has undertaken as part of its revitalization plan.
