Merchants and residents alike can breath easier as construction nears completion for the stretch of 50 Ave that extends from 46 St (Hwy. 27) to 49 St.
The construction on 50 Ave that began on May 24 has surpassed its estimated completion date of June 18, but Town Officials say weather and contractual obligations have contributed to the apparent delay.
“Unfortunately extreme weather is not part of the control factors,” said Larry Wright, Director of Operations.
“I really have to give credit to Rubydale Construction, AIC, and Olds Concrete for taking a lot of heavy weather.”
Unfortunately some merchants say they are suffering because of the rough conditions of 50 Ave.
Olds Pizza owner Shaddy Kamaleddine said his lunchtime traffic has slowed by 50 per cent, and supper traffic by 30 per cent.
“It's hard; you try to sleep at night knowing you can't make your bills,” said Kamaleddine.
“I can't even pay my bills right now.”
“All my regular lunchtime customers tell me they don't come here any more because they don't want to bring their car down this road.”
He understands crews haven't had the greatest weather, but Kamaleddine said the days where the sun has been out, he hasn't seen much activity.
Wright said each construction phase has positives and negatives that limit the amount of work that can be done at one time, as well as a contractual restriction on the number site-occupancy days.
The pouring of concrete should be finalized for safety installations like paraplegic ramps at corners, intersections, and crosswalks, Wright said last Friday
“That was a critical element. We had to spend extra time. We moved the lamp standards and changed some of the drainage.”
What has resulted is much more accessible pathways for those with limited abilities, said Wright.
Nutters Bulk & Natural Foods had to close their door last Tuesday when construction crews poured new sidewalk in front of their store.
But owner Andrea Morrish said construction workers have been very courteous, and worked to accommodate them.
“If people wanted to come here, they found a way. I'd rather it be accessible - the job has to be done,” said Morrish.
It will take about five days for the concrete to gain strength before road crews can come in and begin the process of compaction, grading, and cleanup.
Wright said he hopes this will be complete either Tuesday or Wednesday, with the possibility of paving crews able to begin as early as Wednesday.
“I really have to thank the merchants for their cooperation and patience, and the Uptowne Olds group. If we could have this all bright and shiny for July 1, what a great day that would be.”
“At the end of the day, it will be worth it because the downtown core will be more appealing,” said Morrish.
