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Black Road widening job won't be awarded until September

City insists two lanes be paved all winter
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File photo

Sault MPP Ross Romano's announcement three weeks ago of $3 million in provincial cash to widen Black Road didn't come in time to get the project seriously underway this fall.

City councillors will be advised Monday that the contractor isn't expected to be selected until September.

"There will be a requirement in the contract that two paved lanes will be required for the winter months," Don Elliott, the city's director of engineering, says in a report to Mayor Provenzano and council members.

The project, which will require an estimated $2.3 million from city tax coffers, will widen Black Road to four lanes between McNabb Street and Second Line.

That sum was originally approved in the city's 2019 capital budget, but $1.3 million was re-allocated to the Fort Creek Acqeduct this spring when it appeared the Black Road funding was not forthcoming.

"The province acknowledges that given the timing of the announcement, it will not be possible to complete the project in 2019, so the work can be completed over two construction seasons," says Elliott.

"While it is not common practice to approve funding for a project that will come from the next year's unapproved budget, due to the timing of the funding announcement a portion of the city's share will have to be accommodated within the 2020, budget which will be brought to council later this year for approval."

Also on Monday, councillors are expected to approve relocation of PUC, Algoma Power and Shaw Cable utilities necessary for the Black Road widening.

Monday's city council meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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