Some projects delayed after long, dry Regina construction season

After likely a bit of the usual frustration from drivers and $88 million later, the City of Regina’s construction season has officially come to an end for another year.

While the hot, dry and long summer allowed crews to get many projects finished, that same weather also created some problems that caused delays.

Excessively dry conditions caused the ground to shift and, as a result, a record number of water main breaks occurred in August and September. By the end of October, 349 water main breaks had been recorded.

Those same conditions still have the city on alert.

“When the ground is very dry frost can travel down faster which is again part of why we are preparing for the possibility of a heavy season,” said Pat Wilson, director of waterworks.

Crews were diverted off some projects to address the breaks, which ended up costing the city $1.2 million more than what was budgeted. A utility reserve fund will cover that off as Wilson explained they came in under budget in recent past years.

The breaks also caused a bit of a ripple for those working on city streets.

“It was a really good year for road construction. We were able to get a lot done. The only downfall with the water breaks is we have a lot of cut repairs still to fix from the work,” said Director of Roadways and Transportation Norman Kyle.

One major project that will be deferred to next year’s construction season according to Kyle is work on Lewvan Drive from 7th Avenue to Saskatchewan Drive. In addition, he said there were about four minor residential road projects left to do.

Of the total construction budget, $38 million was spent on things like roads and bridges, including:

• $12 million on Residential Road Renewal Program which saw 25.8 kilometres in 73 locations completed
• $13.5 million on Street Infrastructure Renewal Program where 13.48 kilometres in 24 locations was completed
• $3.5 million on sidewalks, curbs and gutters
• Rehabilitation work to Victoria and Wascana Parkway overpasses along Ring Road

The other $50 million was used for water, wastewater and drainage projects, which included:

• Arcola Detention Pond project
• Construction on 5th Avenue North storm sewer
• Continued work on the Third Sewage Force Main