Road improvements to 14th Avenue from Grand Street to Cade Barr Street are moving forward.
At the latest council meeting (Sept. 5), Mission awarded the contract for phase two of the 14th Avenue project to B&B Heavy Civil Construction Ltd. for $5,874,600.
“My experience with working with B&B on the first phase was very positive. I got a lot of comments from residents saying that the contractor was accommodating for construction and also that they’re really happy with the final result. They find it a very functional design,” Mission capital works operations manager Rob Racine said to council.
Council also approved a $2.3 million advance of the 2024 budget for the project. According to a staff report, the anticipated project costs exceed the available approved budget.
“To complete the work in 2023, an estimated $6,761,000 is required. An estimated $400,000 for Phase 3 design, procurement, contract administration and inspection will also be funded from this account.”
Racine said there are always unknowns that pop up with construction, and staff built in contingency funding rather than coming back to ask for more money.
“Unfortunately right now what we’re seeing is a real challenge with estimating anything construction-wise. [With] labour materials, it seems that they change monthly,” Racine said.
In November 2020, council adopted a four-year construction plan for 14th Avenue between Hurd Street and Cade Barr Street, with construction completed in three phases.
The first phase from Hurd Street to Tanager Street was completed in the fall of 2022. Phase two construction is expected to finish in late winter 2024.
The third and final phase from Tanager Street to Grand Street is undergoing detailed design with construction anticipated for fall 2024.
“I know I didn’t support the multi-use path on 7th Avenue but when I look at this one, I’m actually excited for [it],” Coun. Jag Gill said. “Because not only are we going to address drainage work, but we’re also going to address a tremendous amount of public safety.”
According to the staff report, phase two features will include a multi-use pathway, improved sidewalk and connectors, curb bulges, parking pockets, enhanced boulevard improvements, pavement, road markings and intersection improvements at Horne Street, drainage and water main improvements, street lighting, and an upgraded crosswalk at Horne Street with Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons.
Residents within proximity of the project site will be notified prior to construction.