LAC LA BICHE – Work on the third and final phase of the Main Street revitalization project is going well, according to Lac La Biche County staff.
During late April, orange steel barricades went up to block off a section of 101 Avenue (Main Street) in Lac La Biche between 101 Street and 100 Street so that construction could get underway.
The $32.5 million makeover of Lac La Biche’s main street, which has been ongoing since 2021 and spans 101 Avenue from 100 to 103 Street, involves the replacement of underground utility lines, the addition of benches, landscape beds, new trees, as well as updated street lighting.
“The third phase of the project has been progressing steadily. With underground work nearing completion, the focus is shifting toward shallow utilities and surface improvements,” says Ali Memon, Lac La Biche County’s general manager of infrastructure.
A key milestone throughout the construction of the most current phase of the Main Street project was the reopening of the 100 Street intersection to public traffic before the end of June. This reflects the coordinated efforts of the project team, says Memon.
On April 22, the intersection of 100 Street and 101 Avenue was closed off to traffic and motorists had to use the detour that had been created last September in the southwest corner of McArthur Park.
“While some challenges have arisen, the team has worked effectively to adapt and keep construction moving forward,” says Memon.
One challenge that crews have faced since starting work in the spring are weather-related interruptions, which he says is typical with outdoor construction. Memon says the contracting team has taken a proactive approach to the weather by closely monitoring forecasts and adjusting daily activities.
“Site preparations are also made in advance of storms, when possible, to help minimize the impact of rain,” he says.
The target date for reopening the roadway is still Aug. 31. While the project team remains focused on meeting this goal, the timeline is subject to a variety of factors, such as weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Over the past few years, as certain sections of Main Street have been fenced off for work, several businesses in the construction zones have had restricted customer access to the front entrances of their buildings.
During this time, Lac La Biche County worked closely with businesses in the affected areas of downtown Lac La Biche to minimize the disruptions by setting up signage and putting in detours, holding open house sessions, and maintaining communication with merchants.
When asked what the response has been from businesses in the construction zone between 100 Street and 101 Street since the start of the third and final phase of the Main Street project a few months ago, Memon says engagement with these businesses has generally been constructive.
“Many businesses are pleased that the duration of this construction phase is shorter than in previous years,” he says. “The early reopening of the 100 Street intersection has also been very positively received by the community.”
