Not yet finished

Dear Editor:

RE: ‘Crappy work,’ Feb. 5.

Keep in mind that the St. David Street North (Highway 6) project in Fergus was created by the township rather than by the construction company, and there are real concerns with the project. 

For example, narrowed roads could prevent emergency vehicles from passing safely, the minimal parking spots barely allow cars to access the spaces, and putting bike lanes on a steep hill may not increase use, since I have witnessed only a dozen people biking the hill in 20 years.

Despite these flaws, I have observed first-hand over the past two years the difficulties of the road construction. A township site manager daily instructed the construction crews to follow the plans. For example, the township approved of homeowners losing parts of their front lawns or access to their driveways to make room for aesthetics (e.g., trees and grass) between the bike lanes and sidewalks. The construction crews followed their orders but were apologetic to homeowners.

Also, major problems stemmed from outdated water and sewer systems, water mains bursting when they were about to pave the road in the fall, and water pipes freezing, causing the construction team to scramble to provide water to homeowners. The construction company was courteous to homeowners and made sure the road was safe each evening for homeowners to get into their drive ways.

Finally, heavy snowfall prevented the road from being paved in a timely manner and the first opportunity of clear skies was between Dec. 19 and 23.

Although the road is bumpy, the town can access the north without driving around, and the entire street will be repaved this year to give everyone the much anticipated “finished” feeling of tax dollars spent. Before measuring its quality it is important to see the finished product, and ensure that the frustration is directed to the right organization.

Carol O’Neil,
Fergus