Front street construction progressing amid resident concerns
Gridlock to subside by the end of the month.
At this week’s meeting council received an update on the Front street rehabilitation project that has been slowing down traffic passing through Sturgeon Falls for some time.
Staff indicated that the project is progressing with the road currently milled and curb work being completed. Paving is expected to be finished by October 30th.
Many residents have brought up serious safety concerns regarding the project and how signage has been used. One driver reached out to the West Nip Voice to state that they broke the tie-rod on their new vehicle after hitting an unmarked pothole near Coursol road. Another resident who has much experience in road construction told me that “the ways of accomplishment of this contractor is mind boggling and flat out dangerous”.
In council chambers this week, Councillor Fern Pellerin brought up some of these concerns. He stressed that there are a couple of spots on the stretch where large holes are in the way of drivers. He noted that drivers unfamiliar with the area could easily damage their cars. Pellerin asked staff if the city was doing anything to ensure the contractors were marking these hazards.
Staff indicated that they typically don’t dictate how contractors stage their work because then they might be assuming liability.
Although the city did receive over a $1 million from the province to pay for this work, the municipality is still partially funding it and responsible for the the tender and the completion of the work.
Other projects
On Tuesday council also received an update on the Eugene street bridge. That project is slated to be completed by November 5th. Brushing and ditching for the season is also scheduled to wrap by November 8th.
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At least there is communication about construction in Sturgeon….try travelling to River….ugh….asked council about communication….answered with gobblygoop no answer….
Why was Front St even chosen for this "rehabilitation". What does that even mean? It wasn't in that much need to rehabilitated, it was rather straight going no swerving, it wasn't high out of tree. Now Michaud St that's the street to be rehabilitated, it's cracked out from head to tail.
Where are their priorities? It ain't on the safety of the community. A million+ on the chaotic mess, we've been dealing with is ridiculous. We all can't sit on the sunshine list with fat pockets and content stomachs. Plow our homeless from their safe place then waste money plowing roads that didn't need it.
Common sense is .......... You all can fill in the blank. My rant is done.
For now.