(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
July 29, 2014 - 8:42 AM
KAMLOOPS - The city is moving forward on the $9.3 million in repairs needed for the Overlanders Bridge deck and sidewalk, work set to take place in 2015.
Originally the project was set to fix the bridge deck at an estimated cost of $6.12 million but early this year staff asked councillors to hold off on the project while the condition of the west sidewalk was looked at. Staff recommended putting off the project for a year, noting the delay could help save money, time and stress on local businesses by completing all the work at the same time.
In the meantime temporary repairs have and will be made to the bridge deck as necessary. These repairs will be funded through the maintenance budget.
In June council agreed to a $3.3 million replace the supports and panels for the sidewalk as well. The other options including shutting down the sidewalk completely, at a cost of $2.5 million, or creating a whole new steel structure at a cost of $5.65 million. The sidewalk has seen little work since it was built in 1961.
The project will include the repairs of the concrete deck, a new membrane, new surface and removal of some expansion joints — which should help provide a smoother ride as well as the reconstruction of the 430 metre west sidewalk.
Staff hope by approving the loan now they will be able to get a head start during the tender process early in the new year, which may allow for additional savings.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infotelnews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014