Prince Albert could convert iconic Central Ave to two-way traffic

A major street in downtown Prince Albert may see a significant shift in traffic flow. Jasmine Pelletier on the plan for Central Avenue.

Prince Albert is looking to redesign Central Avenue with two-way traffic.

“We discussed this at budget time and put the money away for a design,” said Councillor Darren Solomon at Monday night’s committee meeting.

“We debated this and we decided that … this is a priority.”

The city says the plan for a redesign of Central Ave., between 15th Street and River Street was prompted in 2018 by concerns over aging underground infrastructure, some of which is more than one hundred years old.

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Mayor Bill Powalinsky said it may cost more to do emergency repairs than it does to be proactive. “Whether we like it or not, we’re facing a cost eventually. Probably sooner than later.”

The city says this design would allow Central Ave. to revert to a one-way street if needed, but that allowing traffic go head both directions has some benefits.

“One being wayfinding, one being business access,” explained Evan Hastings, the city’s Capital Projects Manager.

“One being the possibility of having a two-way transit, basically to go north and south on Central Avenue, so you can transport people quickly and efficiently to places like U of S, City Hall.”

The city says the proposed design would be more pedestrian friendly with wider sidewalks, updated lighting and a public plaza between city hall and the university campus.

“Downtown is the heart of our city is and certainly central is the heart of downtown,” said Solomon.

“It needs some help. And I think, I am certainly ready to make sure that it gets the help that it needs. Of course, with our stakeholders and with other input.”

A public consultation meeting will be held prior to a May 11 city council vote on the measure, but a meeting date has not yet been scheduled.