SUNDRE – Construction on the Highway 27-Main Avenue project in Sundre is in full swing with workers making the most of ideal conditions.
In an April 7 update posted on the town's website, officials reported the progress so far included the April 3 opening of the westbound detour road.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and exercise caution as the route, which redirects westbound drivers north up 1st Street NW and then west along 1st Avenue NW or Myron Thompson Avenue before reconnecting with the highway on a temporary road that goes behind the new Dairy Queen, runs through a residential area.
Sam Zhao, the town's community peace officer, told the Albertan there had been some confusion over the first couple of days after the detour opened with some eastbound motorists driving along the route against the intended flow of traffic.
"But most residents have adjusted to the new route," said Zhao, adding he and bylaw officer Rob Plews have endeavoured to educate drivers who are travelling in the wrong direction on the one-way.
"However, we are transiting to charging drivers as the education period is over," he said.
"Most people driving down the one-way see the signs but chose to come down anyways. We are receiving daily complaints for vehicles going the wrong way," he said.
"Signs are clearly visible and placed in the turning lane."
Excessive speeds on the other hand have so far not been an issue, he said.
"The larger trucks are very compliant with the 30-kilometre speed limit. No issues with oversized loads, as those are scheduled for 6:30 a.m. or overnight on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
According to the update posted on the town's website, revised traffic and pedestrian accommodations are now in place at 2nd and 4th Streets NW.
As well, the electrical conduit crossing at Centre Street is complete, with electrical on-going.
Grading, placing gravel and formwork is ongoing at the south side of 1st Street NW to the access to Burger Baron, and sidewalk and curb have been poured on the south side of 5th Street NW at the creek while a mountable curb at the barrier wall on 9th Street NE is complete.
What’s coming next
The intersection of Highway 27 and 760, also known as the Bergen Road: cleaning, grading, gravel placement, and concrete forming and pouring at the corners of the intersection. Landscaping and repairs will take place mid-April.
Centre Street: Grading and forming curbs and sidewalks.
Fourth Street NW: Installation of streetlight bases continues.
Sidewalk preparation, including forming and pouring of concrete, will be taking place throughout the coming week at 2nd, 4th, and Centre Streets.
Motorists are again reminded to anticipate delays and factor additional travel time into their plans.
The speed limit remains 30 km/h throughout the construction zone — even if crews aren’t working — and fines double in construction zones.
Visit sundre.com/p/hwy-27 for updates as work progress.
