A major road reconstruction project in Wallaceburg has been delayed and the completion date has been extended by a month.
On Tuesday, officials with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent provided an update on the reconstruction project for McNaughton Avenue and Murray Street in Wallaceburg.
“The reconstruction of McNaughton Avenue and Murray Street, Community of Wallaceburg, was originally targeted to be completed by Friday, July 21st 2017,” Municipal officials said in a press release.
“During the excavation phase, areas of insufficient road base and abandoned sewer lines were discovered that have caused delays in construction. The completion date for this project is now being extended to August 25th, 2017. This extension allows for the contractor to move forward with the reconstruction in the most effective and efficient way to ensure quality and public safety are priority.”
Municipal officials say the contractor has assured the Municipality of Chatham-Kent that all lanes of traffic will be open for WAMBO, which runs from August 11 to August 13.
“Base asphalt, temporary line painting and all sidewalks will be in place prior to the community event,” Chatham-Kent officials stated.
“Also, all construction barricades and fencing will be temporarily removed to allow all residents and visitors the ability to travel freely. Following this event, the contractor will be completing any remaining surface asphalt, line painting and any outstanding restoration. We appreciate your patience and cooperation with this project.”
Background
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent was successful in obtaining funding for the road construction of McNaughton Avenue and a portion of Murray Street in the Community of Wallaceburg, under the Ministry of Transportation Connecting Links Program.
The project consists of the road reconstruction of McNaughton Avenue from Murray Street to the south limits of the Lord Selkirk Bridge; and Murray Street from McNaughton Avenue to 600m south of Baseline Road.
Huron Construction of Chatham is the Contractor for this project and it was anticipated to start mid-April with a completion date of July 31, 2017. As part of the project the following work will be completed:
– Removal and replacement of asphalt pavements,
– Removal and replacement of existing curb & gutter, existing sidewalks, new sidewalk installation,
– Traffic signal improvements
As far as I am concerned that was part of the plan in the first place. Chatham was pressured to have the parking lot for last year so they are making it payback this year. As one of the workers said when I haphazardly asked if it would be done for WAMBO, “We could leave it just like this till after this Wallworld thing”.
I do realise that the road needed the work but they could have started earlier or not try to do as much at once.
I’m quite disappointed at the mess. For so much of the street(s) being “under repair” – I hardly ever see anyone working – why is that?…we definitely need this completed before WAMBO. Someone in charge needs to step-up please.