Vehicle traffic in the uptown core is expected to be shut down for at least a month this summer as the town proceeds with utility line replacement.
The town plans to replace water, storm and wastewater lines between 49 and 50 avenues on 50 Street as part of rehabilitation of the area. Although a firm date has yet to be confirmed (depending on council's confirmation of a contractor that was expected to take place at Monday's council meeting), the town would like the work to take place in July.
“We'll be doing all the deep utilities underneath the tracks and all the deep utilities on 49th Avenue and 50th Street and then all the deep utilities on 50th and 50th as well as the signal lights and concrete in that area,” said Brian Patton, an engineering technologist with the town.
The construction will be proceeding in phases, with the first one being replacing utilities underneath the tracks.
“So basically east-west traffic will be shut down for the month. We realize that there will be some traffic disturbances but it has to be done,” he said.
"We'll be doing all the deep utilities underneath the tracks and all the deep utilities on 49th Avenue and 50th Street and then all the deep utilities on 50th and 50th as well as the signal lights and concrete in that area."Brian Patton, engineering technologist, Town of Olds
