The completion of the 2nd avenue overpass is a hot topic for residents. The original date for completion was Aug 19, but rainy weather has delayed the completion until at least Sept 16. An update was given after council meeting on Monday Aug 29 oh where the construction is at.

Mitch Minken general Manager of Infrastructure and Operations said, “We had our last update meeting last Thursday, and we had a bout of rain Thursday and Friday, and they are working diligently to try and still make the 16th, although I won’t be surprised if it dragged a little bit longer”.

Construction is nearing the critical phase. In the next 5 days the plans are to pour the retaining wall on the east side of the bridge, which will involve pouring concrete on the bottom plate before pouring the actual wall. Once that is accomplished the road surface, from the south end to the north end, will be jack hammered out. As the rubble is removed, and the road surface cleaned, up 200 ft. sections of concrete will be poured on to the deck approximately 3 inches thick. Once this starts the sections must not be rained on. The bridge will be poured in 3, 200 ft. sections. Allowing for time to cure the asphalt surfacing will be the final phase.

New guard rails are being installed on the north east exit ramp as well the road on the south side has been widened in order to allow for the removal of the east sidewalk. On the west sidewalk the walk way has been increased to 1.5 meters in width to be brought up to current building code. A retaining wall is up and a double bar rail will be placed on the top of it, to give extra protection between motorist and pedestrians. The railing on the west side of the walkway is installed and is almost a 16 inches higher than it was. This does give one a feeling of protection when using the walkway.

Graham Construction will be having an additional work force join the current crew. More than a dozen workers will be added to bring the total crew to 40 members. They are working 7 days a week now weather permitting.