hwy1 streetview

The Trans-Canada Highway through Swift Current (Photo: Google Street View)

The City of Swift Current is responding to calls for improved pedestrian access near the Trans-Canada Highway.

The death of a 31-year-old Winkler, Manitoba man after he was hit by a semi while crossing the highway on Thursday has sparked a debate over pedestrian needs in the area.

"We're in the middle of undertaking a master transportation plan, and this plan will actually address this very issue... pedestrian accomodation on the service roads and near Highway 1," said City Engineering Director Mac Forster. "This plan will be finalized in early summer and there's a couple more open houses coming up for input from the public, but this matter is taken into consideration. It was identified and it is going to be addressed in the study."

Forster says concerns about pedestrian access were already on the radar for a number of reasons, including the proposed Integrated Facility on the northeast side of the city.

Shawn Mullin talked with City Engineering Director Mac Forster: