St. Albert city council is looking to increase the budget for twinning Ray Gibbon Drive by $2 million.
On April 11, a council committee heard from City administration that the scope of the work for both Ray Gibbon Drive and north St. Albert Trail has grown in recent years, leading to an increase in costs. The total increased scope of Ray Gibbon Drive is forecasted at $1.55 million, plus an additional contingency.
The majority of the additional funds will be drawn from the project's existing borrowing bylaw, save for a $500,000 portion for two intersections at Anthony Henday Drive that will come from a cost-sharing payment from the City of Edmonton.
The overall twinning project is split into four phases, planned for delivery over a span of several years. The City has already completed phase one construction — which extends from the south city limit to north of LeClair Way. Phase two, which continues from LeClair Way up to McKenney Avenue, is planned for completion at the end of 2022, with the third phase from north of McKenney Avenue to north of Giroux Road planned for 2026.
Dean Schick, St. Albert’s transportation manager, told council's community growth and infrastructure standing committee April 11 that the scope of the project grew during its first and second phases.
Schick said the additional $1.55-million cost includes design and construction for the Anthony Henday Drive at 184th Street and 137th Avenue intersections (valued at $550,000); approximately $580,000 for design investment for phases three and four being addressed earlier than anticipated; and $420,000 for existing trail work at the Ray Gibbon Drive bridge.
The intersection costs were factored in after the City of Edmonton and Alberta Transportation raised operational and safety issues, leading to the forming of a cost-sharing agreement between Edmonton and St. Albert.
Additional bridge costs represent work needed to address seasonal and environmental impacts of the Sturgeon River to the trail underpass.
Bridge delays
Schick said there is “additional current risk” with the project as well, specifically delays with the bridge work — which began in January. Schick said this could lead to additional costs, though he noted the costs will be recoverable through the City’s contract management.
However, Schick said the City might front-end the costs to keep the project moving along.
Coun. Wes Brodhead asked whether the reason for the delay could be made public. Schick said at this time, he can only share that there has been some “seasonal influence.”
“We’re ... trying to collaborate as strongly as possible … to get the project back on track,” Schick said.
