The City of Courtenay hopes to install a sidewalk and expanded bus pullout on Ryan Road between Back and Sandwick roads. However, the proposed project is subject to approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), which has jurisdiction over Ryan.

It also requires provincial and K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation permitting due to a documented archeological area near the west end of the area.

鈥淪taff are working towards construction in 2022, however, in order to facilitate this, there are some long lead time permitting items that would need to be started now,鈥� Chris Davidson, director of engineering services, said at Courtenay council Oct. 25.

Council supports the design of a sidewalk and expanded bus pullout.

The proposal addresses the north side of Ryan, which contains a paved shoulder with a ditch and bus stop, but no sidewalk. A minimal design option is limited to a sidewalk while a maximized option includes a sidewalk, boulevard and bike lane.

The project is estimated to exceed $1.5 million.

The ministry supports the need for a sidewalk, but not a cycling lane because it does not allow buffered bike lanes on MoTI roads.

A staff report says MoTI felt the west end of the project at Ryan and Sandwick 鈥渨ould leave the bike lane orphaned, with no connection to existing or proposed cycling infrastructure, potentially leading to safety issues.鈥�

For years, council has harboured concern about safety along Ryan Road. A 2017 resolution from Coun. Doug Hillian called for enhanced pedestrian, scooter and cycling safety along Ryan between the North Island Highway and Lerwick Road.

reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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