Council grants contractor second chance to fix Thomas Drive

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

After the reconstruction of Thomas Drive fell flat on meeting town council’s expectations, local officials reluctantly granted the contractor another shot at rectifying the issues and completing the project that began in 2013.
Northstar Trucking undertook the reconstruction project two years ago, which included replacement of water and sewer lines, installing new storm water infrastructure, and new road base and surfacing. The contractor removed the asphalt from Parklane Drive to Brent Boulevard and allowed two years for the project to settle before top-lifting in 2015. The two-year requirement allowed for the road to be observed and for issues, such as sinking of the base, to be recognized – the only way to be aware of any issues.
During the two-year period, residents and council became increasingly frustrated with the road’s numerous potholes and pooling water.
“Everybody in the community knows there is something wrong,” said Councillor Steve Grajczyk. “I want to reiterate this, on Brent Boulevard the second lift has never been put in in places, and it has lasted 20 years now, and it’s gotten nowhere near the problems, not even close, to the problems that this one has.”
Last year, council was approached by SNC Lavalin, the project’s engineers, urging the town to move forward with the top-lift a year ahead of schedule. Yet a higher price demand, a flawed report, and some councillors’ desire to see repairs to the roadway before placement of the top-lift, resulted in council’s decision to take a risk of further ratepayer complaints, and stick to the original completion date of 2015.
Then, two weeks ago, despite growing concerns regarding the contractor and the quality of the project, which had previously been described as a botched job, it was announced that Northstar Trucking will be carrying out warranty work this year, and will provide the much anticipated top-lift. The updates, with costs contained within the existing budget of $390,000, will consist of digging out and replacing segregated areas, providing a level base of asphalt, and finishing it off with a top-lift. However, council was also required to consider approving an additional $20,000 for the inclusion of Brent Boulevard’s right-hand turning lane completion.
But without a safety net to fall back on, once the top-lift is completed and subsequently ends the project with Northstar Trucking, some councillors remained leery about the request and insisted on greater assurance.
“I use Thomas Drive on a daily basis, seven days a week, and I really hope I don’t see the same potholes in the same places, on Thomas Drive next spring,” said Councillor Rocky Blokland. “And if we do, then what?”
According to administration once the project is completed, if problems arise, the only option would be to prove faulty workmanship or materials. However, council was reassured that SNC Lavalin will be on site as third-party testers and collect samples during placement of any warranty items or construction of top-lift.
While Thomas Drive is experiencing numerous issues, administration had previously said that two different firms were hired to do analysis on the state of the roadway and detailed reports showed that the work had been done according to industry standards. Earlier this year, council was informed that some of the pooling could be attributed to the construction, while others were presumed to have existed prior to the project’s start date. Staff also said that Thomas Drive experienced underground water conditions at the time of construction and without the existence of a top-lift the water soaked down to the base lift.
Although council was presented with the option to change contractors and utilize the Lakeside and 4th Avenue project contractor, staff advised against the change in order to keep the project and its concerns to one contractor.
In accordance with the $20,000 for the Brent Boulevard turning lane upgrades, council approved the project budget of a total of $410,000 to complete the entire project with Northstar Trucking. The project has a completion date prior to August 1.