Lloydminster‘s downtown core is about to get louder, and eventually, better.
The city is set to begin the next phase of its Central Business District Replacement Program the week of May 25, weather depending. Phase 1B targets 50 Street between 50 Avenue and 51 Avenue, including a full reconstruction of the intersection at 50 Street and 51 Avenue.
Council approved the project in March, awarding the contract to ASL Paving Ltd. for just under $2.9 million, with a 15 per cent contingency for unknowns. The work was always expected to be underway by now, and it is.
Underground infrastructure in the downtown core main focus. Crews will replace the water main, sanitary sewer main, and storm sewer main, all aging systems the city says have reached the end of their lifecycle. Above ground, 50 Street gets a full rebuild, with new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, benches, trees, and waste receptacles.
The contract uses a site occupancy day system: bonuses for finishing early, penalties for delays. It was a feature council debated when approving the project. At the time, Coun. Jim Taylor flagged public communication as a potential flashpoint.
“I think this is going to be a huge communication battle,” Taylor said in March.
The city says it has been working with affected business owners since last November. Wayfinding signage will be posted throughout construction, front-of-building access will be maintained at the start, and back-alley access stays open throughout. Weekly progress updates are expected once work begins.
Construction is expected to wrap by late October, weather permitting.
Residents can follow updates at Lloydminster.ca/Downtown Construction or sign up for road construction notices at Lloydminster.ca/Subscribe.
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