The cost to fix Revelstoke’s troubled Trans-Canada Highway intersection is expected to come in at about $1.7 million, Mayor Mark McKee said this morning.
McKee revealed the new figure on his weekly Mayor’s Report with Shaun Aquiline on EZ Rock on Friday morning.
“When they went away they were thinking $2.1 million,” he said. “Now this report coming on Tuesday is going to be suggesting $1.4 million, with almost a $300,000 contingency, which is $1.7 million.”
McElhanney Consulting, the engineering firm hired to re-design the intersection, had estimated the cost at $2.1 million, while the City of Revelstoke budgeted $1.2 million.
Their design calls for a roundabout at Wright Street and Victoria Road, while blocking left turns into the Shell/Tim Hortons, and out of the Woodenhead Loop.
“I’m feeling a little bit better on the design,” McKee said. “I’m concerned about the amount of money. I’m concerned it isn’t going to solve the problem.”
McElhanney’s report breaks down the cost as follows:
— $956,600 for roadworks;
— $83,900 for storm sewers;
— $2,000 for sanitary sewers;
— $49,100 for watermains;
— $94,300 for street lighting;
— $103,500 for landscaping;
— $63,100 for shallow utilities;
— $73,600 for miscellaneous costs.
— and a $285,000 contingency.
The money for the project is supposed to come from Development Cost Charges, however the costs above the budgeted $1.2 million would have to be covered by other sources. It is hoped the Ministry of Transportation will cover some of the costs.
Image: An image of the proposed roundabout. ~ By McElhanney Consulting
A staff report by Mike Thomas, the city’s director of engineering, says that if council goes to tender, it would responsible for the full cost of the project.
“There is a risk that other funds may not be available once the project has started, or in an amount desired by Council,” wrote Thomas. “The roundabout costs would likely be around the budgeted amount for 2016, any increases in cost in 2016 could be addressed through allocation from reserves, deferral of other projects or short term borrowing.
His report notes risks to the project, including lack of approval by the Ministry of Transportation, CP Rail, local businesses or geotechnical concerns.
“We believe that the design is the best solution to the competing demands from the input received from all stakeholders,” wrote Thomas.
Council will make a decision on whether or not to go to tender on Tuesday, June 14.