The second phase of the Downtown Revitalization Project along Main Street is nearly done – ahead of schedule and on budget.
Traffic began to move again last weekend between 47th Avenue and 49th Avenue. Work crews paved the street last week and final touches are continuing on the $2.8-million section of the $8.5-million three-phase project.
“We have a little bit of rehabilitation to do behind the sidewalks, line painting occurred last today (July 31) and if the weather holds we will be open by the weekend,” said Barry Baker, director of operational services.
He said the two-block section of the project is about 90 per cent completed. “There are a few outstanding things we have to do along the edges but it is open for traffic,” said Baker, adding the concrete for the new sidewalks has been poured while the boulevards between the new sidewalks and private property still have to be properly landscaped.
Baker said work crews from AIC Construction are two weeks ahead of schedule, while the two-block second phase of the total project will be completed within the forecasted budget. He said the work since May, which was hampered by excessive late-spring and early-summer precipitation, went “smoothly.”
“The bad weather was a surprise. We had a lot of rain in June and July,” said Baker. “We had very good cooperation with contractors, engineers and town employees.”
Craig Teal, the director of planning and development, said the town will now turn its attention to Phase III of the project, which has been budgeted for $2.3 million and is scheduled to start and be completed next year.
He said council will begin discussions this fall to decide whether to just continue the project with AIC Construction or put the work out for tender. Teal said a decision will be made early in the new year, or at the end of February at the latest.
The third phase will start west of 47th Avenue by Home Hardware to the west side of the 44th Avenue intersection at Tim Hortons. The work will include minor adjustments to the 44th Avenue intersection, as well as the closure of the service road at Fourlane Ford, and the opening up of the north leg of 45th Street to improve the safety and function of 44th Street.
Teal said the town will be providing residents and businesses more information, including third-phase scheduling of the project which will start next May.
