The City of Courtenay has put the wraps on improvements to 17th Street between Fitzgerald and Willemar Avenues.

The city says it makes a key link in the Comox Valley’s active transportation network safer and more accessible for people who walk, cycle, and roll.

The $1.72 million project was funded through both the federal and provincial governments.

Upgrades include new sidewalks from Rotary Trail to Fitzgerald Avenue, shorter road crossing distances and new pedestrian-controlled flashing beacons, curb-protected cycle tracks from Rotary Trail to Fitzgerald Ave, parking-protected bike lanes from Willemar Avenue to Rotary Trail, and new trees planted along 17th at McPhee Avenue.

Mayor Bob Wells says the upgrades will benefit everyone, making pedestrians more visible, while increasing separation between vehicles and people traveling on foot, by bike, and with mobility aids.