A local company was the successful bidder for two major road reconstruction projects in Wellington County this summer. The company tendered the lowest bid in both cases.
At the April 30 meeting, county council approved a recommendation to award the tender for the reconstruction of Wellington Road 109 (Elora Street) in Harriston to Moorefield Excavating of Harriston, at the tendered amount of $1,641,820, exclusive of HST.
Moorefield Excavating was also the successful bidder on the reconstruction of Wellington Road 14 (Frederick Street) in Arthur, with a tender of $1,630,878, exclusive of HST.
The Frederick Street project includes a controversial roundabout at a busy intersection and roads committee chair councillor Gary Williamson advised council a broad-based communications plan is in the works to advise citizens about roundabout safety.
“We want to make sure the word gets out not only in Arthur, but throughout Wellington,” said Williamson. “Roundabouts are here to stay,” he added, noting he anticipates more will be built in the area as part of future projects and everyone who drives in the county should have access to the information.
A draft communication plan to provide education/notification to various community groups (pedestrians and drivers – car and truck) on roundabout safety, was provided by county engineer Gord Ough at the April 14 road committee meeting and the committee discussed the options outlined in the plan including the use of scale models, videos and OPP resources.
Brisbane School
Also at the April 14 meeting, the roads committee discussed potential solutions to the traffic concerns on Highway 124 in Erin brought forward by a Brisbane Public School parents group. The improvements discussed included:
– erecting flashing lights and leaving the speed limit at 60 kmh);
– placement of “no parking” signs authorized by bylaw on the road opposite the school; and
– continuing to work with the school board on modifications to the site to accommodate a drive through drop-off/pick-up zone between the staff parking and the school, along with improvements to the shoulder of Highway 124 on the school side.
The committee requested staff obtain more information on the traffic flow and the number of children affected with the idea of revisiting the issue at the May committee meeting.
Badley Bridge project review
Council also approved a roads committee recommendation to authorize staff to cancel plans to tender for the replacement of sidewalks for Badley Bridge on Metcalfe Street in Elora.
Council directed the project be reviewed taking into consideration the current condition of the bridge, budget requirements, and the most effective and efficient method of repairing the bridge.
