By Mark Squibb/February 17, 2023
The snow is still on the ground, and likely will be for some time, but Mount Pearl is already preparing for a busy construction season.
Councillor Mark Rice gave a capital and maintenance project update report during last week’s public meeting.
“Tender documents are currently being prepared for the upcoming 2023 construction season, which is going to be a busy one,” said Rice.
Those tenders are for maintenance work and include a 2023 crack sealing tender (currently being drafted), 2023 to 2026 line painting tender (currently being drafted) and a 2023 asphalt and concrete tender, which is currently under development.
Rice spoke briefly to the line painting tender.
“Hopefully we’ll have multiple bids on that so we won’t have the typical one person bidding on that so we can get some good pricing,” said Rice.
Next, Rice noted the City is currently in the midst of two construction projects that are to be completed this calendar year: the pedestrian underpass, which is expected to be completed in June and the St. David’s Park Smart Accessible Playground.
Rice then highlighted a number of capital projects that have been recently awarded, including full replacement of the section of Spruce Avenue from Croucher to Commander, full replacement of Birch Avenue, full replacement of the section of Roosevelt Avenue from Donovan Street to Ruth Avenue section, full replacement (excluding watermain) and installation of structural watermain liner along Billard Avenue.
These projects are expected to be completed by fall of 2024.
The City is also negotiating a number of other projects, including the construction of a long awaited civic centre.
Requests for proposals and requests for quotes are estimated to be completed early in 2023, with construction expected to begin later this year. The centre is expected to be finished by late 2024.
The City first announced plans to construct the new civic centre in July 2021. The 18,000 square foot centre, which will be located at the Team Gushue Sports Complex, will accommodate social, arts, and recreation events, and will have spaces dedicated for community group use.
Other projects being negotiated include full replacement of underground services on Wyatt Boulevard, Farrell Drive (Topsail to Evans section), the Farrell Drive Pumphouse, Jacqueline Road, First Street (from civic #17 to Glendale), Kean Place, and an unspecified climate change project.
“So, as you can see it is going to be a busy time coming up for our City this summer,” said Rice. “There’s going to be a lot of traffic being re-routed in certain areas. But one thing we’re looking forward to is all these projects getting started and getting completed.”
Councillor Bill Antle asked why the City was replacing just a section of Spruce Avenue and not the whole road.
Director of Infrastructure and Public Works Gerry Antle said the decision was keeping in line with the City’s asset management plan, and that replacement depends on the age of the underground infrastructure.
The report did not require a vote of council, as the various projects had been approved in previous meetings.
