The Editor:
I'm sure the ongoing, seemingly endless, construction has been on the mind, or has gotten under the skin, of any member of the public who has passed through the Sapperton area.
I write this letter as a member of the public who generally supports bike lanes, and pedestrian priority walkways, even at the expense of vehicle traffic or parking.
But even with these biases, I have become increasing alarmed as this project has neared completion.
My annoyance became concern when the construction teams completed a centre line barrier on East Columbia just before the intersection with Sherbrooke that will leave no room for motorists to pullover if ambulances need them to move, one of which could easily impede any ambulances in the future.
Furthermore, I do not understand why bike lanes and sidewalk expansions were done to both sides of the street — a move with diminishing returns as the Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) side is a barren one, and will not be well used.
The pedestrian and cycling upgrades should have been limited to the Park side of the street where they can be appreciated, and used.
A better plan would have been using the square footage on the RCH side of the street for a designated emergency vehicle lane that could have improved the ambulance's right of way instead of impeding it.
And this is to say nothing of the delays construction is causing to patients and staff attempting to reach RCH for their procedures on time.
I'm certain at least some procedures, or surgeries have been missed because of this works project.
Infrastructure around hospitals should be focused on improving hospital access. Greenway access should have been a secondary priority.
- Alex Wadge, New Westminster
