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 Some boat owners were steaming mad when the government dock off Franklin Avenue was closed for construction last summer for several days. This year's paving season promises to be just as gruelling. - NNSL file photo |
Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services
Not only do motorists have to cope with the slush and puddles on city roads, Mayor Gord Van Tighem says residents should expect another busy paving season this summer. That will include a major overhaul of Franklin Avenue from the top of Twin Pine Hill to School Draw Avenue.
Van Tighem said work will begin "as soon as the frost goes out of the ground."
He said the city is still awaiting an engineering report. It's hoped the report will finally offer some solutions for fixing the troublesome section of Franklin Ave. The road has been prone to frost heave and run-off damage since it was first put in some 45 years ago.
"We're going to try and pave the creek again," said Van Tighem.
"They've been studying it for a year now, so we'll see what the proposal comes forward as.
"You talk to some of the old-timers. They built it as an escape from Old Town, and they were never coming back, and unfortunately we keep going back."
Other repaving projects include Johnson Crescent, a block of 49th Street by the courthouse, another block in front of the Right Spot bar on 50th Street, and a section of 49th Avenue.
New asphalt will be heading for Enterprise Drive, Bartesko Court, Niven Drive and Trail's End.
The city expects to spend approximately $2,770,000 on paving this year. Ratepayers approved $1,930,000 for road work in a plebiscite held during the municipal election last fall.
Coun. Dave McCann said trying to find money for road work is a never-ending headache.
"Given the difficulty in building quality roads here, it is always a struggle," said McCann.
"There is seemingly never enough money to go around."
Old Town resident Peter Arychuk said roadwork on Twin Pine Hill seems to come with the territory, although he would like to see the city come up with a solution.
Franklin Ave. north of School Draw was partially closed for road work for several weeks late last summer.
"They have to do it because it's in rough shape," said Arychuk. "That's part of living up here during the construction season, I guess."
"It would be nice if they could figure out the problem, why the road always falls apart down this hill."
