At a ground-breaking ceremony today representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments announced that a major upgrade to Highway 19A near the intersection of 17th Street and Cliffe Avenue will be underway soon.
The project will involve the widening of Cliffe Avenue between 17th and 21st Streets and the addition of turn lanes, which should greatly improve traffic flow. It is being funded through a partnership between the City of Courtenay, the Government of BC, the Government of Canada and ICBC.
"This is an important project that will provide jobs and improve traffic flow in the Comox Valley," said Member of Parliament John Duncan. "Our Government is committed to ensuring that Canada's Economic Action Plan continues to work for Canadians and lay a foundation for future prosperity.
"This is a great example of what can be accomplished when the levels of government work together," said Comox Valley MLA Don McRae. "This project will add great value to the community and allow for more efficient travel through Courtenay, and will be a benefit to all residents and visitors to the Comox Valley."
"The maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure is a vital part of the sustainability of our city," said Greg Phelps, Mayor of Courtenay. "This work will significantly improve traffic flows, reduce vehicle conflict and allow the City to replace aging underground municipal pipelines at the same time. We appreciate the financial contributions from the federal and provincial governments and ICBC that helped make this project a reality."
Highway 19A is a busy and important transportation link through Courtenay. The project will address the traffic bottle-neck between 17th and 21st Streets by providing two lanes for both north- and south-bound traffic and improving turning lanes. A dedicated right-turn lane from Cliffe Avenue to the 17th Street Bridge and additional turn lanes from and to Comox Road will be constructed, and a dedicated exit lane from the 17th Street Bridge to Cliffe Avenue will be added. New traffic control lights and street lighting will also be installed.