Major road construction on King Street between First Avenue Northwest and Fifth Avenue North is set to begin on Monday. The work is part of the province’s urban highway connector program (UHCP). Director of Engineering with the City of Weyburn Renee Cugnet says they are glad to have this partnership with the Ministry of Highways.
“It's great news. It's really good for our community. This roadway is a main entrance into our city from the north so we're really grateful.”
A contractor will be on site beginning Monday doing work on the underground infrastructure including storm leads, catch basins, and hydrant replacements, before a paving contractor arrives the week of July 14th.
Cugnet says the work will result in a complete closure of the road for the duration of the project.
“Starting on July 7th, King Street from 1st Avenue North all the way to 5th Avenue North will have a full closure. So that is going to disrupt direct driveway access to any of the properties facing King Street on that section, as well as anyone coming through, they will have to take the detour. Local traffic will be detoured around to the east.”
There will be no access to Highway 35 from Fifth Avenue North. Access to the highway will be detoured using 16th Street becoming Range Road 2143 routing back to the highway on Township Road 90.
Cugnet says that while the construction may be inconvenient, especially in tandem with other construction around the city, the results will be worthwhile.
“Unfortunately, we do have a short construction season, but it is going to be short term pain for long term gain. And it's still a really positive thing that we're getting all of this work done this year. We just ask residents to please be patient with the contractors and with the city and the work zones, because it will be worth the wait.”
The project within city limits is expected to be completed at the end of August, while the work on the highway will be completed at the end of September. The detours will remain for the duration of both projects.