By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Recent complaints about backed-up traffic on Fairview Road have prompted the Town of Oliver to try to expedite the construction work.
Motorists have been complaining about long wait times due to the Station Street upgrade project. Traffic has been backed up all the way to Main Street, where some motorists can’t proceed even on a green light.
Others have been questioning why the contractor keeps digging up Fairview Road multiple times and filling the trench in again. Hindered access to the playground/water park on Fairview is another concern.
But Shawn Goodsell, the Town’s director of operations, said it is taking longer to install the deep sewer line, which is an upgrade to the current system.
“They are digging and filling again so there is through traffic after construction hours,” Goodsell said.
He noted that traffic control is not needed 24 hours a day, and traffic is not subjected to one lane open for 24 hours a day.
Goodsell said traffic gets backed up mainly due to the close proximity to Main Street.
“It can’t be helped at peak traffic times, unfortunately.”
He stated that construction overall has been going slower because of the higher than anticipated water table this time of year.
“The de-watering pumps and well points are having a harder time keeping up.”
Is this costing the Town more money?
Goodsell said they have a tender contract with Grizzly Excavating and the Town is keeping to those costs (unless both sides agree to any extra unforeseen costs).
The director said the Town is addressing concerns by agreeing to a change with the contractor to help expedite the work.
He noted the contractor will be leaving one lane of traffic open overnight for the next few weeks. And traffic control after hours will use a portable, automated traffic light system.
Goodsell said Grizzly will still have people onsite after hours to monitor the traffic.
“Grizzly is hoping they can get a second crew on as soon as they can to create a double shift.”
However, the company is tied up on other jobs right now.
Goodsell said keeping the trench open on Fairview will help save approximately five hours of closing and opening time.
He pointed out that the company is still battling water in the trench due to the province raising the river levels, which is not helping the situation.
The Town is expecting to release a public service announcement regarding these construction changes.
