52 Avenue roadwork in Ponoka almost complete

Town officials say crews now plan to return to the site within the next week or two (weather depending) to begin final grading and compaction of the roadway on 52 Avenue, after which calcium chloride will be applied to control dust.

Once the roadwork is completed, crews are anticipated to pave patches of asphalt removed at both ends of 52 Avenue on 50 Street and 51 Street to access the water mains on those roads. At the same time, site cleanup and landscaping will take place on the boulevards and other grassy areas affected by the construction.

Depending on weather, completion of the roadwork is expected to wrap up in September and 52 Avenue to reopen to traffic.

In the meantime, officials point-out the street will remain closed to vehicles, with the exception of local traffic to the Tamarack Court underground parking garage. Remaining affected properties on 52 Avenue have back alley access available.

Paving of the new roadway on 52 Avenue is planned to take place early in the 2020 construction season, allowing time for the roadway to settle following excavation work this summer.

“The infrastructure renewal along this portion of 52 Avenue will allow residents to enjoy significantly increased reliability of the infrastructure that’s now in place and a much more attractive street environment,” says Albert Flootman, chief administrative officer (CAO) for the Town of Ponoka, in a press release. “I would like to thank all of the residents and occupants on the affected block of 52 Avenue for their patience during this construction project.”

Officials say the Town of Ponoka Asset Management Plan identified this block of 52 Avenue as a priority and the project was approved by Town council in the 2019 Capital Budget.

The existing underground infrastructure on that portion of 52 Avenue is said to have reached the end of its lifespan and was replaced with new PVC pipes, estimated to renew the infrastructure lifecycle on that street for more than 50 years.

Numerous other paving repairs and concrete replacement projects are also happening throughout Ponoka this summer and fall as part of the Town’s annual Paving and Concrete Improvement Program.

Local motorists are reminded to drive with caution in construction zones and observe road signs and traffic safety personnel.

(With files from the Town of Ponoka)

by rdnewsNOW staff

52 Avenue roadwork in Ponoka almost complete

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