Kate Trotter, Public Affairs Officer for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure told the Review last week that the Seventh Street and Highway 3 intersection improvements project had an estimate of $750,000. She also noted, “that was the estimate. Budgets are done with more information and are more precise.”
Two options were presented at an open house in June.
One option maintained two lanes but would have required reconstructing the entire intersection -- including property acquisition -- at a higher cost, and loss of parking.
The other single lane option required minimal property acquisition and disturbance to the highway. This option was supported by the Mayor and council and most residents who attended the open house. This option was much less costly than the two lane option. This was also the least disruptive option to motorists and businesses.
The more expensive option was not tendered, so “savings” cannot be calculated.
The $750,000 budget included contingencies and the possibility of property acquisition, and was estimated prior to option selection and detailed engineering completion.
Any savings are reinvested in other projects that enhance the safety of road users.