Asphalt won't be laid down for at least a couple of weeks but the preliminary work on the Highway 47 rehabilitation project has begun.
In June, council approved a project to rebuild the north stretch of Highway 47 through Estevan from the train tracks in the centre of the city to Wellock Road. The project is estimated to cost over $3 million and will not be completed until September, most likely.
City of Estevan crews were out last week working on catch basins along the route and carrying out other jobs that need to be completed before paving starts.
This week, crews will be working on water line connections in the Albert and Edward Street areas. Next week, contractors will be working on curbing and the watermain that runs from King Street to Cundall Drive will be replaced.
City manager Jim Puffalt estimates that actual paving work will likely not start for a minimum of two weeks.
"It's probably at least a couple of weeks because of course the curbing has to be done first before they can do anything on the north side of King Street," Puffalt said. "On the south side there is a couple of issues they are working through."
Along with any prep work, Puffalt said traffic control is also a major focus of theirs right now. He noted that heavy traffic is now being detoured around the city and there will also be flag people in the area.
"Traffic control is going to be massive," Puffalt said. "People can expect some pretty significant delays in travelling, so if they can avoid the area that would be the best thing to do."
Puffalt added that, pending council approval, they would like to close down one block at a time and detour traffic around the area.
"They can go faster if we can block off a street at a time. If we can block off from Edward to Albert Street and do the curbing in there, then we can go quite a bit faster."
The state of Highway 47 has been a hot topic after a harsh winter left much of it in shambles. Puffalt said the City is very excited to begin the project.
"We are totally pumped. After the spring and all we went through to try to keep that road in shape, we are thrilled to get the project started."
