Kingfisher Drive is now closed to traffic from 89th Street while the intersection is realigned. Residents of Kingfisher need to access their street from Highway 3. The construction work is expected to last throughout October and will create a space for the new sewage lift station. (Richard McGuire photo)

A construction project at 89th Street and Kingfisher Drive got off to a late start, but on Thursday heavy equipment was ripping up pavement.

Originally the work was supposed to start on Sept. 4 and then it got pushed back to the week of Sept. 17. Work actually began on Sept. 27.

Jim Dinwoodie, director of operational services (public works), said the contractor, H&M Excavating Ltd., was delayed due to the storm sewer upgrade on Main Street. Also, some of their crews were tied up longer than expected on other jobs elsewhere.

Nonetheless, the plan remains for the work to be finished by Oct. 31.

The work also requires the closing of access to Kingfisher Drive from 89th Street. Kingfisher Drive will still be accessible to local traffic as far as Chickadee Court, but only from the Main Street end.

Originally, it was anticipated that through traffic on Kingfisher would be allowed.

“Unfortunately, they’re going to have to block it off between 89th Street and Chickadee Court and the road will be completely closed,” said Dinwoodie.

Traffic will still be able to travel along 89th Street, but on Thursday it was controlled by a flag person.

Meanwhile, work continues on Main Street from 85th to 89th Street as the same contractor, H&M Excavating, finishes installing a storm sewer and builds sidewalk bump-outs at intersections.

Homes and businesses in the area had their water shut off Friday morning.

Several Main Street businesses have had to close temporarily due to the construction.

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times