Delays on the Columbia Avenue Complete Streets construction project have set the work back by a few weeks.
Paving is now set to begin on Nov. 2.
According to construction company MarWest spokesperson Stephanie Allen-Pelletier, a number of things have contributed to the delays including unforseen infrastructure allignment work.
Permission for the work near the railway tracks has also slowed things down, as the permitting process with CP Rail took about five weeks.
Next week, Fortis will be on site removing and relocating power poles from the sidewalks and bike lanes.
MarWest says that traffic will be congested in the coming weeks and single-lane alternating traffic patterns will be in place.
Although not ideal for traffic, MarWest says that having two lanes of traffic going when so many crews are on site not only causes project delays but, more importantly, puts the safety of crews and drivers at risk.
“As constraints on mobility and space become tighter during the Columbia Avenue upgrades, MarWest and the City of Castlegar are requesting that you prepare your time for travel accordingly,” said a MarWest press release.
“Allowing for additional time to your journey will not only ensure that you arrive on time, but you will arrive safely at your destination.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation has begun resurfacing work on Hwy 3/3A between Ootischenia and Playmor Junction, making traffic through the alternate route around Columbia Avenue congested and causing more traffic delays on Columbia Avenue.
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