By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Independent
It may be a few days later than anticipated, but traffic is now flowing the length of Main Street Stettler again.
Main Street between 48th Ave. and 49th Ave. has been closed for a few weeks while the Town replaced water mains and sidewalks in the area. Originally, it was expected that the road reopen by July 15, however due to some minor delays, that reopening was delayed five days to July 20.
“There is still a little bit of construction happening on the sides, impacting parking,” said Town of Stettler Director of Operations Melissa Robbins.
“We’re slightly behind the expected completion. It’s pretty good for an estimated construction schedule.”
As of July 28, according to Robbins, the project is on budget, though the Town is still waiting for final invoices to come through.
The remaining work on the project, which is about 90 per cent complete, is relatively minor esthetic work that will be done by Town staff.
“Town staff have some clean-up, some planting, and some furniture placement to complete over the next couple weeks as the products arrive,” said Robbins.
“It looks really lovely, and we are excited to see trees go back in, bringing warmth back to the downtown area.”
Other major projects going on through the rest of summer include the second phase of a three-phase road rehabilitation project on 44th Ave. between Hwy. 12 and Hwy. 56.
“The concrete replacement (in the area) is already done,” said Robbins.
“Border Paving is mobilizing over the next couple of weeks.”
Due to the erosion of some road-base, some excavation of soft material will be done and then the top two inches of road will be milled down and re-paved.
A final Town-funded project will be started at the end of August and run through October.
As previously announced, the Town will be constructing a type-4 intersection at the west end of town on Hwy 12.
Per an Alberta Transportation request, the intersection will be rated for 70km/h. In total, the project, which was awarded to Wally’s Backhoe Service at a previous meeting of council, will come in around $800,000.
Alberta Transportation is also doing a project in Stettler this summer.
The intersection near the Tim Horton’s is going to be realigned and have traffic lights installed.
“It’s a noteworthy project for our community,” said Robbins.
“We’re happy to see Alberta Transportation make the intersection safer for our residents.”
The Alberta Transportation project is expected to start on Aug. 9th and last several months.