The Main Street Revitalization Project is progressing well, says Ron Fraser, the associate chief administrative officer of Infrastructure Services for Lac La Biche County. But there could be the need for a little extension of the construction deadline.
Much of the under-groundwork on the second phase of the three-phase, $32.5 million project has been completed, as the end-of-October construction deadline draws near.
Fraser says at the present time, the project is completing work on surface installations, which include pouring concrete for curbs, sidewalks, and planter boxes.
“Electrical work has commenced for decorative lighting and street lighting,” he said, adding that soil cell structures for the sidewalk feature tree planters are close to being complete.
For the most part, the project, which began in May, has been moving smoothly — but he admits that unpredictable summer weather has had a bearing on the progress of the makeover. Rainy conditions on and off through the last few months have caused roughly three weeks of delays for the construction crews.
“We are working closely with the contractor to try to complete as many things as possible by October 31, but the rain has impacted progress,” he told Lakeland This Week. “Discussions continue with the contractor to determine efficiencies to try to complete the work as quickly as possible.”
Some stages in the process can’t be forced, he emphasized, like the time needed to properly cure the concrete that is being poured.
If needed — and weather permitting — the deadline might see some work, taking place into early November.
