More than $9 million in road work will begin this month in Innisfil. Georgian Paving was the successful bidder on this project. Under the town's corporate purchasing bylaw, the staff must inform the council when the value of an acquisition is greater than $1 million, but still within the level authorized by the council.
The $9.07 million contract with Georgian fit that description. Under the tender, resurfacing and safety upgrades will be made to the following areas:
- 5th Line from Yonge Street to 10th Sideroad
- 9th Line from 20th Sideroad to Yonge Street
- 10th Line from Yonge Street to 10th Sideroad
This will also include:
- Resurfacing and active transportation updates along Gilford Road from 20th Sideroad to Beach Road
- Replacement of distribution slab and patching on the 9th Line and 10th Line culvert structures
- Waterproofing and patching of the culvert on 5th Line
According to Barrie Today, the roadwork and structures on 9th Line and 10th Line are scheduled to be completed this fall and the work on 5th Line and Gilford Road will begin next spring, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2023.
These projects were expected to begin earlier this year but due to pre-qualifying contractors first and extended timelines to obtain permits from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority tender of the construction contract was delayed until the summer.
Bobbi-Jo Duncan, capital project manager, told councillors that at least one lane of traffic will be open at all times during construction, except when an entrance culvert is being replaced. When that happens, detours will be in place during the structure rehabilitations on 9th Line and 10th Line with advance notice, including digital signage and notices, provided to residents and the local businesses prior to the detour being implemented.
Councillor Kevin Eisses was concerned with the timing of the projects because of the impact it could have on farmers accessing agricultural lands during the harvest. He stressed that strong communication will be needed with the area farmers to mitigate any potential impacts this fall.