$3.2 million reconstruction of County Road 4; Talbot Street work approved

Council has approved a $3,295,605 tender with Earth-Crete Ontario related to the reconstruction of County Road 4 and Talbot street.

Project Manager Joe Angelo, in his report to council, stated the low tender received for County Road 4 is within the capital budget allocation, however the low tender for Talbot Street exceeds the budget allocation. Three tenders were received for the project, the highest being at $4,789,305.

To cover the overall shortfall of $428,607 for Talbot Street Budget items, the director of finance has recommended the reserve for roads be used to cover $381,223.00 and that the Talbot Street water/wastewater additional budget in the amount of $47,384.00 be provided from long-term debt.

This contract includes two separate capital projects approved in the 2022 budget – Talbot Street reconstruction from George Wright Boulevard to the Millennium Trail and County Road 4 reconstruction from the Millennium Trail to County Road 34.

The surface condition of both streets is poor with potholes, cracking, loss of aggregate and rutting.

The recently completed reconstruction of Talbot Street from Picton Main northerly included an extension of sewer and watermain north of Argyle Street to George Wright Boulevard.

This project will include extension of sewer and water services from George Wright Boulevard to the urban boundary at the Millennium Trail. The Talbot Street work will include sanitary sewer, watermain, storm sewer, reconstruction of the road with curb and gutters, sidewalk along the east side of the street and street lighting. The width of the travelled road will match the width south of the project.

Angelo explained the reconstruction on County Road 4 will be completed using in-place processing for rehabilitation of the pavement and granular base material followed by two lifts of asphalt pavement.

“The existing road platform has sufficient width to permit the construction of two traffic lanes plus a 1.2 metre asphalt shoulder on each side of the road from the Millennium Trail through to County Road 34.

“Considerable work will be undertaken at the County roads 4 and 34 intersection to address safety concerns at this location. Complete reconstruction will be necessary at the intersection because of the necessity to lower the grade through the intersection to improve sight lines and ensure the reconstructed road complies with current design standards for safety.”

He stated grade adjustment will also be required on both County Road 34 and Hull Road to accommodate the reconstruction. He noted a small parcel of property will have to be purchased at the north west corner of the intersection.