Higher than expected costs on a proposed road project has Spallumcheen going back to plan A.
Public works manager Ed Forslund, in April, asked to alter his original plan of base reclamation and paving on Salmon River Road between Dodds and Hallam roads to include improving sight distance.
After some more in-depth research, Forslund told council Monday the costs to improve the sight distance is a lot higher than anticipated.
“Worst-case scenario is it would cost about $625,000 to do the improvements required,” said Forslund.
“Part of the cost is the possible rock work for blasting. There’s a good chance there’s rock on that hump.”
Forslund had hoped to improve the road grade to allow better visibility.
Added costs would also include relocating Hydro and gas lines, constructing a retaining wall on one side and acquiring property.
“It’s a pretty expensive fix to take that little hump out to improve sight distances,” said Forslund.
So, council members approved Forslund’s request to go back to the original plan of base reclamation and paving for that stretch of Salmon River Road.
Forslund is also investigating the possibility of putting up increased signage to alert motorists about the visibility program, and is looking at grant options to help with the costs.
According to RCMP statistics, there have been six accidents – none of a serious nature – on Salmon River Road between Hallam and Dodds roads since 2007.
There have been four, in February, June, July and December, at the Dodds intersection, and two in March and August at Crawford Road, between Dodds and Hallam.
Work on the project is expected to start soon and be completed before the end of summer.
The township also agreed to carry on with the original plan of base reclamation and paving on Back Enderby Road from Stepney Road South for one kilometre.
