Pedestrian-friendly makeover begins for Jasper Avenue

Jasper Avenue is getting a summer makeover. The city’s “main street” pilot to transform the strip over the summer into a more pedestrian-friendly space began Monday and is scheduled to be ready for a Saturday kickoff event.

Construction crews will be blocking off the outer lanes on Jasper Avenue between 109 and 115 streets to make room for more patios and walking space.

The changes are supposed to make the stretch of road more appealing for pedestrians and street-front businesses by adding benches and trees.

The lanes will be blocked off through the end of October. The changes are part of a pilot project ahead of the planned permanent construction that will begin in 2019.

The city needs to accommodate all modes of transportation, “especially pedestrians,” said project co-ordinator Satya Gadidasu.

He also encouraged Edmontonians to visit the street during the pilot.

A cross-section for the Jasper Avenue plan was released Nov. 29, 2016.

The plan will be mapped out on the road for people to experience from July 10 through October.

Most of the extra space is coming from blocking off existing bus and parking lanes along the street, turning it into flex space which can be used by businesses. A restaurant can apply to the city to use the flex space in front of its storefront for a patio or other use. The space can also be put to use by food trucks or other demonstrations.

Currently, street parking along Jasper is allowed during off hours. Under the pilot, flex space that goes unused by businesses will be open for 24-hour on-street parking.

A street festival featuring live music and dance performances is planned for Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. to kick off the street pilot. It will be held in the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre parking lot. Other events along the street are planned for later in the summer.

Morning commuters can expect to see the work on their morning commute Tuesday and it will last through the week.

The city will be holding focus groups and doing phone and web interviews to gauge public opinion about the project after its conclusion. They will also be tracking vehicle use, foot traffic and patio use.

The final, permanent plan for Jasper Avenue will need budget approval by council next year before the three- or four-year construction project can begin in 2019.