Division Avenue South Rehabilitation

Project Description

The City of Medicine Hat is rebuilding Division Avenue S to address degrading subsurface condition. During this necessary reconstruction, the new road design will follow the principles of complete streets, which means it will be made accessible and usable for all types of transportation, and for people of all ages and abilities.

Construction in 2024 is complete, though some work remains in 2025.

Project Phases 

Phasing plan for construction project

Total schedule
PhaseDescriptionStatus
Work zone 1

3 Street SE to 6 Street SE 

Completed
Work zone 2

Stage 1: Old Cemetery Road to 12 Street SE

Stage 1: Completed

Stage 2: 6 Street SE to 7 Street SE

Stage 2: Completed
Work zone 3 7 Street SE to 10 Street SE Spring 2025 
Work zone 4

Stage 1: 12 Street SE to 11 Street SE

Stage 1: Completed

Stage 2: 11 Street SE to 10 Street SE

Stage 2: Completed

This project encompasses several enhancements:

transportation icons

Pavement Renewal: This infrastructure rehabilitation project is an important part of the City’s asset management strategy, which is aimed at providing a safe environment and high quality of life to residents, while supporting economic development.

Underground Utilities: We're upgrading the pipes and cables under the road, bringing them up to the latest standards and regulations. 

Complete Streets* Design: We're updating road crossings to fit with the ‘Complete Streets’ principles. This means roads will be safer and easier for everyone, whether you're walking, biking, driving, or taking the bus.

Continuous Pathways at Crossings: We're creating uninterrupted walkways at intersections, making it safer for everyone who uses the multi-use pathway (MUP).

Safer Intersections: We're changing the design of intersections to slow down traffic, making it safer for people of all ages and abilities to cross the street.

Traffic Lights: We're making changes to intersections with traffic lights and upgrading crosswalk lights.

Landscaping: We’re adding greenery and aesthetically pleasing landscaping to make the area look and feel better.

Timing and Traffic Accommodations

division ave map of areaDetailed project schedule, construction staging, and traffic accommodation plans will be available after the contract is awarded. 

Benefits

The section of Division Avenue S between 3 Street SE and 12 Street SE is in poor condition, with significant cracking and damage to the pavement. This requires the road surface be completely removed and replaced.

Upon completion, this project will provide a renewed pavement surface, upgraded corridor based on the principles of ‘Complete Streets’—a progressive approach meant for everyone. Complete Streets are designed to build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable community. By equally accommodating all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, Complete Streets ensure safer travel for everyone and encourage healthier lifestyles through increased walking and cycling.

Additionally, this approach is instrumental in reducing environmental impact by cutting down vehicle emissions and boosting local economies by enhancing accessibility to businesses and services. More than just a transportation upgrade, Complete Streets are a commitment to strengthening community bonds, beautifying urban landscapes, easing traffic flow, and providing a variety of transportation choices. This is not just a road redesign; it's a step towards a more connected, resilient, and vibrant community.

Notifications

All directly impacted residents and businesses will be notified of construction affecting them and be offered the opportunity to provide feedback and how the City can best support them through construction.

Future updates will be provided here, by public advisories, and on the City’s social media channels.

 

FAQ's

*What is a 'Complete Street'?

Complete Streets are for everyone.

Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that enables safe access for all people who need to use them, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.

Learn more at Complete Streets for Canada.

City of Edmonton - Industry Example

Is Division Avenue S narrower?

Division Avenue S has always been a roadway with two dedicated travel lanes. The Division Avenue S driving lanes are still industry standard widths. Prior to construction, sections of Division Avenue S did permit parking, which was under utilized.

We recognize that what was done previously does not meet the needs of the community today – a roadway that is safer and easier for everyone, whether you're walking, biking, driving, or taking the bus. Throughout the corridor we are creating uninterrupted walkways at intersections, making it safer for everyone who uses the multi-use pathway.

Why did the City choose Division Avenue as a roadway to use this Complete Street design?

Division Avenue S was not intended to have a similar purpose and design to roads like Maple Avenue, Southridge Drive and Dunmore Road for example.

With several schools, parks, and commercial areas in the vicinity, the Complete Streets principles create a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-vehicle users, and motorists alike.

Why do side streets look narrow?

“Bump outs” are the new curbs on side streets with varying widths and design, depending on the street. They were created to slow motorists down as they approach Division Avenue S. This is a form of traffic calming that will promote traffic safety as vehicles approach Division Avenue S. It also reduces the crossing distance, making it safer for people of all ages and abilities to cross the street. These lanes are still industry standard widths.

What does a Complete Street design mean for snow removal?

During the winter months, snow will be piled on the concrete between the pedestrian pathway and Division Avenue S, which will maintain the travel lane widths.

Is the City planning any other traffic calming measures on Division Avenue S?

The elements of the Complete Street design are the only traffic calming measures on Division Avenue S. For other traffic calming measures in Medicine Hat and their locations, visit medicinehat.ca/trafficcalming

Why is the project taking this long?

Division Ave S contains critical underground infrastructure which needs to be protected and left in service for the duration of the project. With this, extreme caution had to be taken when rebuilding this roadway. This, paired with weather-related events, added delays to the anticipated project timeline.
How will RV, campers, boat trailers and other large vehicles be able to make these turns? Was this not considered?

During the design phase of the project, vehicle turning was assessed using passenger vehicles, emergency vehicles as well as buses. It is not typical for a design of a roadway to be based off vehicles not considered the primary users of the road.

Intersections where larger vehicles like school buses are the most frequent user, and are known to turn, will be designed and built to meet their turning requirements.
Who did the City talk to during the design and implementation of this project?

  1. In-person meetings with businesses, school districts, churches, and other stakeholders during the design phase

  2. Presentation of the preliminary design at the City’s open house-style Municipal Mingle event in February 2024

  3. Presentation of the detailed layout, project schedule, and phasing at another Municipal Mingle event in May 2024

  4. Development of an animated fly-through to visualize the project at completion

  5. Creation of this dedicated, regularly updated project webpage

  6. Installation of two large signboards with a QR code linking to the project webpage, displayed in project area several weeks before the project began

  7. Media interviews with City staff to explain the project’s design, scope, and schedule

  8. Several newspaper features on the project

  9. Multi-media advertising campaign (newspaper, television, radio, social media)

Will this Complete Street concept be used in other locations in Medicine Hat?

Each roadway has a unique set of factors that contribute to determining the necessary design of all modes of transportation.

The Complete Street design is just another option for the City to consider as we continue looking to maximize the efficiency and inclusiveness of all modes of transportation in Medicine Hat.