|
|
|
I wouldn't say not having a sidewalk is an embarrasment for a main entrance, considering it's a major aerterial road primarily suited to traffic flow. A sidewalk along a 5 lane road won't change people's perceptions of Edmonton, but developing a vacant lot with a higher and better use definitely would help.
I would say that there is nothing about this that is befitting of a provincial capital's main entry point. A sidewalk would be the bare minimum to add. A no, not all of it is this bad of course, but enough of it is that it needs addressing. It's even less usable in the winter (including the 'nicer' parts between 34 ave and 51st for example, where the grass that is at least usable for able people in the summer becomes muddy snow).
Calgary Trail going south is actually much nicer than its sister Gateway going north, so sadly you get a better impression of Edmonton going than arriving. I suspect the reasons for this are partly historical and relate to the latter being closer to the rail line and many of the industrial type buildings that were developed in this area. Its not that having sidewalks wouldn't be nice or an improvement, but it sort of would be like putting lipstick on a pig and so likely be a wasted effort at this point
Looks great. I recall the initial plans for this circa ~2000.
Yeah, Calgary Trail is a step above for sure. History plays into Gateway absolutely, if I recall correctly it was only made as the main entry after the METS plan to freeway 91st / Mill Creek was cancelled. But, that was in the 60s. There has been plenty of time since to update the stretch. If it were up to me, it would get a road diet to add proper pedestrian infrastructure & streetscaping, and lose 1 lane of traffic to do it. It would be fine. It's a catch-22 a bit too, why would a business try to do better when the City has shown no indication they care to do better for the stretch?
