New summer road projects approved

Work to replace a closed bridge on Sussex Avenue will be begin soon, says City Commissioner of Engineering and Planning Jerry Dolcetti.

The City plans to replace the bridge with a two-lane bridge that accommodates pedestrians as well, Dolcetti said after Sault Ste. Marie City Council approved the project this week. As SooToday.com reported in July 2008, City staff originally recommended the damaged bridge be demolished and replaced with a pedestrian bridge.

That recommendation met with strong opposition from residents in the West End neighbourhood, who were surprised and dismayed when a routine inspection revealed significant damage and forced the bridge's closure.

City Council then directed staff to come back with some alternatives that included replacing the bridge with another that would accommodate vehicular traffic.

Last August, Council agreed to make the $350,000 bridge replacement project a high priority for the 2009 capital construction list.

This week, councillors approved a contract with Avery Construction Limited for removal and replacement of the Sussex Road Bridge.

Dolcetti said the old wooden bridge will be removed and replaced with a box culvert and a two-lane bridge with sidewalks on either side and safety measures for pedestrians.

Ward 5 Councillor Frank Fata said he's heard from many residents in that area saying they want the bridge replaced and soon.

Fata expects they will be pleased with Council's decision to award the contract and get work underway quickly.

Other road work approved this week includes reconstruction of Shannon Road from Wellington Street East to Trunk Road.

Council approved a contract with Palmer Construction Group Inc. for that work.

It also approved a bylaw closing Shannon Road from May 26, 2009 until October 31, 2009 and May 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010 for road reconstruction.

A culvert across Bennett Creek at Third Line was also approved.

The contract was awarded to Avery Construction Ltd. and Third Line in that area will be closed from May 26, 2009 until October 31, 2010 while the culvert is replaced.

Two bridges on Old Goulais Bay Road will also be replaced this summer. R.M. Belanger Ltd. was awarded that contract.

Borron Avenue from Pim Street to Fauquier Avenue will be closed from May 26, 2009 to October 31, 2010 for reconstruction.

City Council approved a contract with Boyer Construction for that work.

Council also approved the purchase of property from Suncor Energy at a price of $15,340 for the realignment of McNabb Street and South Market.

City Chief Administrative Officer Joe Fratesi said there are a lot of road projects planned for the Sault this summer.

He appealed to residents and visitors to be patient, saying the results will be well worth the short-term inconvenience of delays or having to follow detours around construction projects.