The road to the Olds Golf Club will be fully upgraded in one year instead of two under a plan approved by Mountain View County council last week.Rge. Rd. 12 north of Highway 27 was originally slated to be rebuilt this year and resurfaced in 2013. Instead of full reconstruction, however, the road will be opened and a technique utilized using woven geotextile matting and adding gravel base, said a report from operations.“By using this method the county can complete the project in one year instead of the two listed on the project sheet,” said the report. “Currently the county has $800,000 estimated for 2012 reconstruction and $700,000 for gravel and base and double chipseal. Operations is requesting access to 2013 funds in 2012. The overall cost of the project is not expected to rise.”In fact, by compressing the project's length the county will realize cost savings from efficiencies as well as reduce disruption to businesses and residents, administration told council at Wednesday's regular meeting.Council approved the recommendation authorizing the department to spend up to $700,000 in additional funds this year to complete the project.“We should be able to turn this around in three weeks to go to tender,” said Ryan Morrison, manager of infrastructure projects and technical services.The department decided to look at the matting technique due to the area's high groundwater, large amounts of topsoil, proximity of the residences to the road and “general lack of borrow supply,” said the report from operations.Council also heard Wednesday that work on Big Prairie Bridge was expected to begin in two weeks. The first step will be driving piles for the replacement structure, due to be completed this year.
