The City of Yorkton will be undertaking additional work at the intersection of Highway 9 and Broadway Street thanks to some unexpected provincial funding.
“The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways (MHI) has recently contacted the City of Yorkton (City) regarding possible funding of a project in our area,” explained René Richard, Director of Engineering and Asset Management at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday. “They have some left over available funds from their 2016 budget and are interested in partnering for a project in Yorkton. MHI is willing to pay 72.5 per cent of a project up to $950,000 for a maximum contribution of $688,750. The City would have to commit to funding at least the remaining 27.5 per cent ($261,250).”
Richard explained MHI inquired about a project that was submitted to them in 2014.
“This project was the intersection of Highway 9 and York Road and was estimated to be $943,000, but was based mostly on new traffic signals and expansion of the intersection,” detailed a report circulated to Council Monday.
“However, more importantly, the roadway surface needs to be replaced and the underground utilities would also have to be replaced prior to the road work. We have provided MHI with a revised cost estimate that includes replacement of existing road structure (concrete), islands, traffic signals, water main, and culverts as well as converting from overhead to underground power.”
The revised cost estimate is approximately $1,600,000.
“However, MHI is willing to provide funding for a different project if the City would prefer,” said Richard.
Therefore, the City submitted a second cost estimate for a project that would allow the City to make most efficient use of the MHI funds, he said.
“We selected the intersection of HWY 9 and Broadway Street,” said Ricard. “The project would be a natural continuation of the work completed in 2015 and consist of roadway reconstruction only. The underground utilities and traffic poles should not need to be replaced during the life of the new road surface. The cost estimate is approximately $1,000,000 but the project limits can be adjusted to make sure we maximize the funding opportunity depending on actual tender prices and limit the total project costs to $950,000.”
After reviewing both cost estimates, MHI has indicated they are prepared to contribute up to $688,750 for either project, said Richard.
For the HWY 9 and York Road intersection the City’s contribution would be approximately $870,000, and for the HWY 9 and Broadway Street intersection, the City’s contribution would be approximately $261,000.
The province also asked how much of the project can be completed prior to March 31, 2017.
Richard said they told MHI in either case likely only design and tendering could be done prior to that date. Also, any construction would likely not be able to commence until current roadway projects are completed due to traffic detour requirements.
Council was unanimous is supporting the Highway 9 / Broadway Street intersection project continent on the MRI funding.
