Merritt applies for grant funding to create new bike path

The City of Merritt is applying for a grant to help create the Diamond Vale Bikeway.

“The Diamond Vale Bikeway was identified as a key priority in the Active Transportation Plan. The bikeway will include wayfinding and regulatory signage, painted markings on the road surface, safer pedestrian crossings, and planter boxes,” said Planning Manager Don McArthur.

credit – City of Merritt

The new route would begin at Spirit Square and run-down Granite to Blair, down to Coutlee and eventually hitting Douglas and Menzies.

“Diamond Vale is the city’s most populous neighbourhood. The proposed bikeway will provide more options for Diamond Vale youth and families to safely move around the community,” said McArthur.

The total grant is just shy of $100,000.

“The proposed project is Phase 1 of the planned bikeway. In future, a Phase 2 would connect Menzies Street to eastern Diamond Vale, via Armstrong Street. As reconstruction of Armstrong Street is identified as a capital project, it is likely a portion of Phase 2 costs will be incorporated into that capital project,” added McArthur.