The price tag for the second phase of the multi-year, multi-million-dollar makeover of Front Street is more than a quarter of a million dollars less than expected.
In the 2020 capital budget, city council allotted $9.5 million for the second phase of work on the busy thoroughfare that links Atherley Road with Laclie Street.
Three tenders were received for the project’s second phase on Feb. 12. The low tender of $8,245,000 (plus HST) was submitted by Arnott Construction.
Based on the low tender, the total project cost - including construction inspection and utility relocation - is anticipated to be $9,240,000, or about $260,000 lower than allocated in the budget.
The city’s CAO has approved the awarding of the contract.
Arnott, which has successfully completed several similar projects for the city in the past, anticipates starting work in the early spring.
There is an existing underground Bell duct structure in the Front Street East/Mississaga Street East intersection. Prior to Arnott beginning work, that structure has to be raised to accommodate the new storm sewer that will be installed.
Bell is expected to complete the work by April 3, notes a memo to city councillors.
The project involves the reconstruction of Front Street/Neywash Street corridor from Laclie Street to Queen Street East.
The project includes:
- Installation of new trunk sanitary sewer on Front Street to allow the existing CN trunk sanitary sewer in the waterfront area to be abandoned;
- Replacement of existing storm sewers and watermains;
- Reconstruction of the roadway; and
- Streetscaping including ornamental street lights and boulevard trees.
According to the city staff report, the project “will necessitate the removal of the evergreen trees in the east boulevard of Front Street North between Coldwater Street and Neywash Street as well as various trees/brush at the east end of Newwash Street to accommodate the proposed cul-de-sac.”
The removals “will be completed before April 1 to avoid the bird nesting season.” No species at risk (including butternut trees) were found in the areas where tree removal is to take place.
