A culvert replacement on the 4th Line at the Eramosa River will cost the town $723,160 – about $133,000 over budget.
In his report to council on April 17, roads superintendent Greg Delfosse explained the structure has a “poor condition” rating and was identified to be replaced in 2016. Council had allocated $625,609 for the replacement.
Delfosse said the shortfall will be covered with unspent funds from an under-budget surface treatment contract.
The current culvert is not wide enough, he explained, and the subsurface soil conditions are weak, requiring further support.
“Most of the bridges and culverts in Erin have marginal roadside safety, no guide rail, bridge markers and that’s about it,” said Delfosse.
“I want to make sure that we improve that every time we look at structures and address them.”
Councillor Matt Sammut said trends show a future slow down in the construction sector will reduce costs. He asked if waiting for lower pricing would be possible for this project.
“The (town) has 49 structures and bridges altogether – culverts and bridges – and the general condition is poor,” said Delfosse.
“If we defer this it’s fine, but there’s still more in the queue for next year.”
Council accepted the $723,160 bid from W.G. Kelly Construction, with the shortfall funded through the under-budget surface treatment contract.
Surface treatment under budget
Delfosse also presented a report on resurfacing Station Street in Hillsburgh (west of the new library) and 8th Line (between Dundas Street and 17th Sideroad).
“Both of these roads have received extensive pothole repair in the last few years and are at the end of their serviceable life,” stated Delfosse in his report.
While both locations had separate budgets, Delfosse explained the projects were tendered together, which likely resulted in the savings.
The surface treatment contract came in about $200,000 under the allocated budget of $380,000. Council accepted the $182,608 bid from Norjohn Contracting and Paving Limited.
