Proposed work on Highway 16 still scheduled for 2015
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, September 22, 2015
By Eoin Devereux
The Neepawa Press
Councillors have been notified that Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation recently contacted the Town regarding proposed upgrades to Provincial Highway 16.
MIT had planned to do an asphalt mill and fill to the road surface from the west junction of PTH 5 to just past the east junction of PTH 5. That work was originally set for the end of July, but was delayed due to delays to other work being done further east on 16.
MIT has indicated to town officials that the proposed work was still on the schedule for this year, pending time and materials. It was noted however, that a road repair crew from the Swan River region would likely be brought in to do those upgrade, as opposed to the local road crew that has been working on the improvements east of Neepawa. An exact time for this work has not been made public at this time.
The work proposed involves an asphalt mill and fill, consisting of removing the existing surface layer with a milling machine and laying down new asphalt to replace it. Originally, the majority of that road work was going to be micro-surfaced, which coats the existing road surface with a new layer. Mill and fill, while more expensive, does last longer than micro-surfacing. The province is covering the cost of the work.
Hydrant flushing of the town’s water lines is expected to start soon. The work will aid in the winterization of the area’s hydrants. While the flushing is occurring, a slight discolouration of the water will be seen. Formal notification on the schedule will likely be released to the public shortly.
The annual compost pickup program began on Monday, Sept. 21. Leaves and branches properly piled up on the curb will be taken. The leaves must be placed in clear bags or in compostable bags, either paper or plastic.
The process of finding a consultant for the town’s firehall project continues at this time. The field has been narrowed down to three applicants. The next stage involves background checks and interviews with the remaining consulting firms. A final recommendation to council will be made after that process has ended. The role of the consultant will be to assist the town, as it looks to build a new fire hall.
A resolution to install a five foot wide sidewalk on Ellen Street, on the north side, from Brown Avenue to Walker Avenue was rescinded. Home owners in the area have voiced concerns over the removal of the sidewalk during the redevelopment of the road and the proposed placement of the new sidewalk. Council recently met with area residents to discuss the pathway replacement. A consensus could not be reached at this time as to the best course of action to move forward.
