Pedestrians and cyclists on Bay Street will benefit from improved accessibility and safer routes after an investment of more than $545,000 from the federal government.
This was announced by Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish; and His Worship Sean Cameron, Mayor of the Town of Antigonish.
The project involves the construction of a 3-meter-wide multi-use path on the right side of Bay Street, replacing the existing deteriorated sidewalk. In addition, a number of utility poles currently obstructing the sidewalk will be relocated, eliminating accessibility issues and improving conditions for seasonal maintenance such as winter snow removal. Finally, a landscaped buffer will be built, creating a safe separation from vehicle traffic for all users of the pathway.
On the left-side of Bay Street, the sidewalk will be rebuilt and extended an additional 30 metres to Marian Drive where a new pedestrian crosswalk will be added, featuring curb ramps, tactile warning plates, high-visibility pavement markings, and pedestrian-activated beacon lights to improve visibility and driver awareness.
As part of a larger initiative that involves significant upgrades to municipal services and the streetscape on Bay Street, this project will significantly improve access to St. Martha's Regional Hospital, providing safer, accessible routes for hospital patients, healthcare workers, and visitors, as well as improving overall connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists traveling to and from the town.
