The City of Kimberley is increasing the scope of the 4th Avenue Rehabilitation Project as the project is now estimated to cost $1.14 million from its original $984,000 budget.
Increasing the project costs by $164,616.87, the majority of those funds, $124,616.87, is being taken from the General Operating Capital Reserve, while the remaining $40,000 is being funded with budget savings, meaning there is no immediate impact to taxpayers.
The 4th Avenue Rehabilitation Project includes a full reconstruction of the road between Boundary Street and Trail Street, which encompasses new paving and underground infrastructure improvements.
“Sometimes when you kind of get into the project you see some things that were either missed or adjustments that need to be made,” Mayor Don McCormick told MyEastKootenayNow.com. “The majority of the additional money that has been put into the project is for decisions that we’ve made to enhance the project, things that if we don’t do them now, we’re going to have to do later at a greater cost.”
BA Blacktop has been awarded the contract to pave 4th Avenue, which was originally the plan for the City to take on the road infrastructure and for a contractor to finish the project.
“That was the plan all along really, was for the City crews to do the under-the-road work, storms, sewer, water, and then hire out to a road contractor to do the reconstruction of the road,” explained McCormick. “That project is literally starting now and we’re hoping to be completed on time, which is at the end of September.”
BA Blacktop is set to remove the remaining pavement along 4th Avenue immediately, with work continuing until August 2nd. The City of Kimberley said the pavement removal will take place from Boundary Street to Creston Street on 4th Avenue, and that motorists should expect increased delays.
“Please respect all signage, traffic control devices, flag people and speed limits throughout the construction area for the safety of workers and others on site,” said the City of Kimberley.
It’s anticipated that the 4th Avenue project will be fully completed before by September’s end.
