Drumheller residents will be getting a smoother ride through parts of town this summer.
The Town of Drumheller is close to finalizing their plans for the annual street improvement program. If all goes well, crews could be resurfacing several major streets in the near future.
Bidding for the contract closed earlier this week, with a recommendation to be presented to Council on May 21.
“We hope to be in a position to award the tender on May 21 to get the project started as quickly as possible,” said Allan Kendrick, Director of Infrastructure Services for the Town of Drumheller.
The streets destined for work this summer include 5th Street East between 6th Avenue and Riverside Drive, half of the road to the Drumheller Institution, part of 8th Avenue, and part of 3rd Street SW.
5th Street E is slated for maintenance this summer as part of Drumheller’s annual street improvement program. Other roads scheduled for maintenance include half of the road to the Drumheller Institution, a portion of 8th Avenue, part of 3rd Street SW, and 1st and 2nd Streets in Nacmine. Town Council is expected to award the contract at their meeting on May 21.
In Nacmine, 1st Street between Hunter Drive and 2nd Avenue, and 2nd Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue.
In addition, the Town hopes to tackle miscellaneous potholes and other needed repairs, and mill and inlay highway intersections. Work on miscellaneous repairs is contingent upon the cost of materials.
When the work proceeds, the highest priority is 5th Street East to ensure there is no conflict between road construction and the Tour of Alberta race rolling through Drumheller on September 6.
“It was brought up that 5th Street has to be done well in advance of the bike race or after. Anytime we’ve run (a project) into the fall, there have been issues. We’d rather get things done before,” said Kendrick.
Council is expected to make a decision to award the tender for the street improvements at their next meeting on Tuesday, May 21.