The underground work on 52 Ave. between 50 St. and 51 St. had been completed as of July 26, and surface improvements are about to begin.
The underground work included the installation of new sanitary sewer mains, a new water main and new service connections. Replacing the aged infrastructure with new PVC pipes is estimated to renew the lifespan of the infrastructure by more than 50 years, according to communications manager Sandra Smith.
The area of 52 Ave. was identified as a priority project by the Town of Ponoka Asset Management Plan and town council approved the project in the 2019 capital budget.
“The 52 Ave. infrastructure renewal project supports the Town of Ponoka’s Strategic Plan objective of continuing to develop and implement the Town’s Asset Management Plan and to keep Ponoka’s roadways and sidewalks in good repair and safe for motorists, pedestrians and residents year round,” said Smith.
Crews are currently removing the existing concrete curbs and compacting the road base.
Once this work is complete, crews will pour new concrete curbs, followed by pouring new concrete sidewalks along much of the street.
After the sidewalks, curbs and gutters have had time to cure and harden, crews will then conduct final grading and compaction of the roadway, after which calcium chloride will be applied to control dust.
52 Ave. currently remains closed to traffic, with the exception of local traffic to the Tamarack Court underground parking garage. The remaining properties have back alley access available.
52 Ave. will reopen to traffic once the new curbs, gutters and sidewalks have been installed and hardened, and the roadway has been graded, compacted and treated with calcium chloride.
The paving of the new roadway on 52 Ave. will take place early in the 2020 construction season to allow time for the roadway to settle following the excavation work this summer.
The town asks that motorists continue to drive with caution in the construction zone.