Although long past due, the reconstruction of Centre Street North from 6th Avenue to 12th Avenue should be underway before the end of July, with the bulk of the work expected to be completed this fall.
The worst section of the surface of the pothole-plagued road from 9th Avenue to 12th Avenue has in the meantime been removed and replaced with gravel along with cautionary signs urging motorists to reduce their speed to 30 kilometres per hour in what has traditionally been a 50 kilometre per hour zone.
While such a solution for the long term would be completely unacceptable, the measure is merely a temporary response to people's concerns about the potholes. Although there is no substitute for a freshly paved road, a brief stretch of bumpy gravel street beats miniature craters in the asphalt that had become all but impossible to safely circumnavigate.
Unfortunately, some drivers can still be seen rushing through the rough section of the street either as they come into town or as they head north towards James River. These motorists tend to drive up right behind and crowd the drivers who actually do slow down in what almost appears to be an attempt to intimidate others to speed up.
That is not only uncalled for but also totally reckless and even potentially dangerous. We understand the frustration people are feeling ó especially taxpayers ó but taking unwarranted risks is not worth saving a few seconds of travel time.
Some residents have even expressed doubts that the construction will happen, but rest assured ó the $2.2-million project that includes a complete overhaul of underground services has not only been factored into the 2017 capital budget but it has also been approved by council. All that remains before work can get underway is selecting a successful bid, which should happen in the coming week or two.
No doubt anyone and everyone who drives down that street is eager for the work to be completed.
But speeding through the rough patch of road is not only unsafe, but also unwise as the potential for damage to vehicles increases.
So if not for safety's sake, we urge those who frequent the road at higher speeds to at least consider slowing down to the temporary 30 kilometres per hour for the sake of their own vehicles' longevity.
ó Ducatel is the Round Up's editor
Pullquote
"We understand the frustration people are feeling ó especially taxpayers ó but taking unwarranted risks is not worth saving a few seconds of travel time."
