Now that Phase 1 (4 km section) of the multi-use trail connecting the Town of Smithers to Laidlaw Road has been constructed and paved, the Board of Cycle 16 is now focusing its energy on Phase 2. This project refers to preparation of detailed engineered drawings of the highway underpass, a key segment of the overall Detailed Design Report for Phase 2. Completion of detailed design drawings for Phase 2 will put Cycle 16 in a position to apply for infrastructure funding. The underpass will be located 1.5 km south of the Babine Lake Road and Hwy 16 intersection. This area of highway is a natural location for an underpass, minimizing excavation on both sides of the approach. It will be a pre-cast box culvert-type structure, already used successfully in two locations in this area. The box culverts are pre-engineered structures that are well-suited to a crossing of this nature.
Highway 16 is the main east-west transportation corridor across north-central B.C. Offering only a narrow shoulder, cycling and walking along the highway puts vulnerable users at a high level of risk due to increasingly high volumes of traffic, including large transport trucks and distracted drivers. Due to the LNG Project west of Smithers, there is a substantial increase in industrial traffic along Highway 16.
On June 7, 2022, three Cycle 16 Board members conducted a traffic count during three time periods: from 6:00 am-9:00 am; 11:00 pm - 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm. Six categories of traffic were tallied: cars/pick-ups; medium-sized vehicles; large vehicles; motorcycles; bicycles; and pedestrians. The data from this count was compared to a Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure (MoTi) data count in 2015. Overall, there has been a 19% increase in all categories but of note, a 115% increase in large vehicles. Upon recommendation from MoTi, Cycle 16 had conceptual studies conducted on both a highway overpass and a highway underpass.
After careful consideration by all stakeholders, it was decided that the underpass would be the preferential option. The underpass will take users from the terminus of Phase 1 under the highway to create a link to Phase 2. The underpass from one side of the highway to the other is necessary for the following reasons: 1) to avoid multiple private driveway crossings, posing an unwanted risk to users; 2) to avoid multiple hydro poles and; 3) to avoid a potential piece of ground which has flooding risks.
Funding from Vision Zero will be applied towards detailed design of the underpass, which includes development to 70, 90 and 100% stages to be presented to stakeholders for their review at each stage. There is palpable community excitement with the completion and paving of Phase 1. The funding provided essential signage along the trail, eco-counters at either end of the trail and bike racks at the kiosk site which added safety and quality to the legacy trail. The legacy trail has the potential to transform the community, giving residents and visitors a safe, effective active transportation option for both recreation and commuting to employment, schools and all built environments. The trail will stimulate local business and tourism while lessening the dependency on motor vehicles. The trail will encourage activity in everyday life leading to improved physical and mental health. Cycle 16 envisions the trail becoming a key meeting place where important social connections will be made, thus strengthening the community.
Photo source: Pexels. Photo is shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an accurate representation of the project.
