Construction on 51 Ave. is moving a lot faster this year, with work set to wrap-up before the snow flies.
The third and final phase of the three-year project is moving along well thanks to some co-operation from Mother Nature.
“We're more or less on schedule. Last year was really bad because it rained all spring. This year, at least we've had alternating wet and dry weather so it's going a lot better than it was,” said Town of Bonnyville assistant CAO Bill Rogers.
Last year, work was completed along 51 Ave. from 50 St. to 51 St., 52 St. to 53 St., and 54 St. to 55 St. This year, remaining work from 51 St. to 52 St. and 53 St. to 54 St. is set to be completed.
The town decided to stagger the work before beginning phase two, to avoid closing a large portion of 51 Ave. for two years. Business owners are happy with how the work was laid out.
“It's better than last year, because we still have access from two sides of us,” exclaimed Jennie Hamel, owner of Jennie's Diner. “Considering how long the whole project has taken, this was definitely the best way to handle it. If we had gone two years with no access it would be a different story.”
With the diner and many other businesses along 51 Ave., as well as Duclos School nearby, the town was careful in drafting their strategy for the project.
“We're very sensitive to the fact that we're working in a very high traffic area. We felt this was the best plan to provide minimal disruption to residents and businesses,” explained Rogers.
After three years of patience, residents along 51 Ave. will see the project come to a close before winter.
Currently, crews are hard at work putting the final touches on underground connections. If all goes according to plan, the remaining intersections will be re-paved within the next three weeks.
“Right now, they're in the middle of buttoning everything down and getting the road ready to turn over to the pavers,” Rogers said. “Weather permitting, you'll see them in there putting the first layer of pavement on those two blocks fairly soon.”
In addition to the work on 51 Ave. the town currently has two lanes of Hwy. 41 where the two roads meet under construction. A few alleyways along 51 Ave. will also be touched up before all is said and done.
“The 51 Ave. work itself will be ready for pavement very quickly. The additional work that's attached to that should wrap-up before this winter. We want to get it all done before the snow flies,” Rogers expressed.
With completion around the corner, residents and business owners alike are looking forward to having one of their busiest streets back.
“If you don't want to go down the main street, 51 Ave. is the alternate route and it's a very busy street. It's the go-to street when 50 Ave. is backed up. The work needed to be done, and I think the whole community will be happy when it's finished,” said Hamel.
