Work has re-started on the first phase of the Fernie Valley Pathway which will eventually connect Fernie to the Fernie Alpine Resort and keep walkers, riders and other active transport users off the highway.

Phase 1A of the project was underway last year, but paused for winter. On Tuesday Mar 2. the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure got stuck back into completing another 450m-long, 2.5m-wide stretch of the multi-use pathway between McLeod Ave. and Anderson Rd. in West Fernie.

Work will include a concrete barrier to separate vehicle traffic and the path, the reduction of the slope of the embankment into the highway ditch and new catch basins to convey stormwater from the highway underneath the multi-use path and into the ditch.

The works completed last year were from the West Fernie Bridge to McLeod Ave.

Engineering and preliminary design work for the current works being started have already been completed.

Last December, the city applied for funding for a 1,800m stretch of the pathway from McLeod Rd through to Mount Fernie Park Rd.

When completed, the pathway will eventually connect the City of Fernie to the Fernie Alpine Resort along Hwy. 3 with the parts of the multi-use trail either completed or under construction intended to be suitable for use throughout the year, as the city will be responsible for snow clearing services.

READ MORE: Fernie applies for more funding to push ahead with Fernie Valley Pathway