Airdrie drivers will need to get used to seeing road construction crews out on city streets this summer as a number of projects are set to get started over the next few weeks.
The projects will have a significant impact on improving the road system in Airdrie, once they’re all completed, according to Ryan Couillard, municipal engineering technologist at the City of Airdrie.
“The widening of Yankee Valley Blvd. will allow for increased traffic volumes into and out of the Kings Heights and Ravenswood neighbourhoods,” said Couillard.
“Both Centre Ave. and East Lake Blvd. closures are for lifecycle improvements of the City’s assets.”
According to the City of Airdrie’s Engineering Department, the projects are going to significantly impact drivers as they will require full road closures and detours.
Couillard said the logistics of the upgrades, such as the replacement of a pipe that runs down the middle of the road, are the reason the roads will need to be completely shut down during construction
A temporary road closure of Yankee Valley Blvd. between East Lake Blvd. and Kings Heights Gate is scheduled for Aug. 6 to 10.
The cost to finish the widening of this section of Yankee Valley Blvd. is $3.6 million.
At the same time, East Lake Blvd. between Thorburn Dr. and Big Hill Rd. will be closed with work also scheduled for Aug. 6 to 10.
The cost to complete this work is $490,000.
Additionally, a short section of Centre Ave. between Tower Lane Dr. and First Street was closed from Aug. 5 to 6. The cost to upgrade this section of Centre Ave. was $150,000.
Funding for the projects was budgeted for as part of the City’s 2014 Capital Roadworks Rehabilitation Program.
If the weather cooperates, Couillard said East Lake Blvd. and Yankee Valley Blvd. will reopen to traffic on Aug.11.
For more detailed information on these closures (including maps) and upcoming lane closures, visit www.airdrie.ca
Veterans Boulevard
The bridge on Veterans Boulevard over Highway 2 in Airdrie will undergo rehabilitation work over the next two months.
Crews will rehabilitate the bridge structure including removal and replacement of the concrete surface. The project will cost approximately $1.3 million and extend the life of the structure, according to a press release from the government of Alberta.
From July 31 to Sept. 30, traffic will be limited to one lane of alternating traffic, controlled by flag persons. Hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and speed limits reduced to 50 km/h during construction and 30 km/h during the concrete pours.
Alberta Transportation reminds residents the fines for speeding double in construction zones.
Motorists are also reminded to obey all flag persons, signs and signals.
The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, weather permitting.
