After a hectic construction season in 2013, the city’s capital projects manager is hoping for a “busy but doable” year in 2014.
“The city has very few carry forward projects for 2014, so we’re anticipating it’s going to be a successful year for project completions,” said Sue Howard. “I have my fingers crossed.”
Heading into 2014, only a few major projects remain to be finished from 2013. Those are finishing up the east water supply line, which ran into poor soil conditions, touch ups on Riel 3 and 4 and getting the city’s new entrance signs energized.
That’s less than was left over from 2012, Howard said.
“Last year we had a bunch which really put a lot of stress on everybody,” she said.
Major projects already approved for 2014 include the annual asphalt overlay program.
“We call it the mill and fill … which extends the life of the road probably 10 to 15 years,” she said.
A separate project is the local road reconstruction. This year, Linwood Crescent is scheduled to get an overhaul.
“That project is going to be similar to the Parkwood (Drive) one that went through (in 2013),” Howard said.
The project should take almost all of the construction season.
“We’re anticipating about three phases to try and limit the effect on the residents,” she said, adding an open house was already held to try and help inform residents about the project.
The annual sidewalk program will continue. That includes $120,000 in upgrades to bus pads.
“The remainder of the program addresses the level of localized service upgrades,” Howard said, noting that can mean repairing sidewalk problems or putting in connecting sidewalk where there is none.
“The second phase of the St. Albert Trail median enhancement program was approved by council and we’re going to be going forward with that as well,” Howard said.
The medians will be improved between Sterling Street and Hebert Road.
Updates to the transportation master plan are due this year.
“That project is going to establish the priorities for the city’s investment in transportation infrastructure,” Howard said. “Really what falls out of that is the projects that are needed for our 10-year capital planning.”
An annual look at what’s called the transportation systems management program will be the ongoing check on traffic light needs in the city.
Some projects, like the 50+ club, are expected to go ahead but are awaiting direction from council, Howard said.
“It should be fairly busy but doable,” Howard said of the planned project list.
