Langley City could see roundabouts in its future, as well as more sidewalks and safer bike lanes, but it also could really use an overpass over the railway tracks at 200 Street.
This according to the newly-released 100-page Master Transportation Plan, which is meant to guide the City into the next 20 years. The plan was adopted unanimously by Langley City council at the Nov. 3 meeting.
John Steiner of Urban Systems, the consulting company hired to create the plan, went over the $21.4 million proposal.
“This plan identifies sidewalks as a priority. There will be enhanced sidewalk coverage, filling in the gaps where there aren’t any,” said Steiner at the council meeting.
Sidewalks and improving pedestrian crossings is the most expensive part of the MTP, estimated to cost around $10.5 million over 20 years.
The last time an MTP was presented to council was in 2004.
In consultation with the public a few years ago, lack of sidewalks was a top priority with residents who spoke up.
Steiner said that an alarming 90 per cent of trips made from Langley City are made in cars. That means there is a need to improve major roadways, like the Langley Bypass and 200 Street, 50 Avenue and the Grade Crescent connector.
The City should also consider changing some roads’ classification, from arterial to collector.
“The impact of increased rail traffic could impact quality of life in Langley City,” said Steiner.
Recognizing two new rail overpasses have been put in which connect the City to the Township, the report shows that overpasses at 200 Street and Fraser Highway are still desperately needed.
Also there is still no timeline given by TransLink as to when the Logan Avenue bus exchange will be moved to 203 Street. Plans call for it to move to a location near Cascades Casino, using an empty lot currently owned by Langley Concrete and Tile.