Final phase of bike lane construction set to begin on 7 Street South

Construction is about to resume on 7 Street South from 4 Avenue to 7 Avenue to connect the bike lanes in Downtown Lethbridge to the 7 Avenue bike boulevard and the city-wide cycling network.

The planned work, all weather dependent, is to begin on Monday, May 27, and is estimated to take approximately four weeks to complete. It will include:

• Closing 7 Street South between 6 Avenue and 7 Avenue, scheduled from May 27 to May 28, for asphalt patching work. Local traffic will be allowed in the area
• Concrete work at the intersection of 7 Street and 5 Avenue, scheduled for the week of May 27 (some removal work has already started). This work also includes parking lot repairs and asphalt re-surfacing to the two angle parking areas on 7 Street immediately south of the 5 Avenue intersection. A full road closure is not anticipated, however there will be slight lane reductions in the area and a temporary loss of parking. The work will be sequenced throughout the week to minimize impact to residents and businesses
• Finishing protected bike lanes on 7 Street between 4 Avenue and 6 Avenue
• Some minor repairs along the existing routes
• Road line painting work: This final step is scheduled for mid to late June. This work will include green "sharrows," indicating a shared driving lane for bicycles and motor vehicles in some areas

The City is committed to providing adequate notice to businesses and residents, including:

• Directly notify stakeholders in writing of upcoming construction
• Staff available to work with affected businesses to minimize disruptions and find solutions that will work for everyone
• Update online construction maps, the Get Involved website, issue Public Service Announcements and engage with media outlets to help amplify construction notices
• Mobilize and commence construction, providing project updates as needed
• Close the project and follow up with affected businesses

The project is available on the City’s WebMap for further information. The WebMap is a dynamic online platform designed to enhance accessibility and streamline information for residents. The map provides residents with accurate and up-to-date information on road closures, facility closures and city projects and initiatives.  

On May 14, Lethbridge City Council voted 8-1 to approve recommendations from the Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee. They include directing Administration return to an SPC meeting in summer 2025 with an update on the Downtown bike lane usage – then also return in summer 2026 with a report on bike lane usage, safety, and modifications to address other issues that may arise. 

More information on project background, recent activity, further public engagement and links to two videos on cycling lane safety information can be found in a May 14 news release here.