A vision that has been hopeful for years and years has now come to fruition with the opening of the extension of 6th Avenue from South Railway to Railway Avenue, across the former railway line in Downtown Drumheller.
This project has been in the works for quite a while and Councillor Tom Zariski is pleased that it is now complete. “Ever since Roger Brooks came along and said that the downtown is integral to the success of a community, we looked at ways of trying to get more people downtown. The truck route, the way it was, basically its purpose was to circumvent downtown. We felt this connector would be an excellent way of getting more and more downtown.”
As for the possible use of the new street, Zariski shares that a number of people have commented to him that they will use it. “I’ve talked to a lot of people in the community that are looking forward to using it. You combine that with the main tourist route, I think it will be used often.”
The new entry also beautifies the area with the new Rails To Trails Main Station, that will be adjacent to the new street. Zariski believes that is a win-win for the area. “When you think about the Rails To Trails Main Station, is right beside this road, that will be very visible to people.”
Mayor Tony Miglecz is also pleased how this project came together to help the downtown. “This is a great example of how the teamwork and long term planning all works out. This is great for our new council to see an example the things that seem like somebody’s crazy plan and here is the results of it. I’m sure this will be well received by, not only the visitors, but I’m sure this will end up being a major thoroughfare for local residents into the business district.”
The new connector road is designed for through traffic only. While the absence of roadside parking may make the roadway feel narrower, it provides safe passage for most vehicles, including large trailers. Heavy-load trucks are not intended to use this connector and should remain on designated highway routes unless servicing businesses in the area.
Heavy-load trucks are not intended to use this connector and should remain on designated highway routes.
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