Municipal Hall

June 29, 2012 / 11:15 AM

In the Prairies, there is an old expression that there are only two seasons, winter and road construction. In Maple Ridge, we are fortunate to have a larger construction window than in the rest of Canada. In 2012, we need that time to work through an extensive list of projects that will protect and enhance our community's infrastructure.

One of the most comprehensive projects relates to a section of 122 Avenue between 222 Street and 216 Street. This is the roadway that runs in front of Maple Ridge Secondary School (MRSS). At the June 26, 2012, Council meeting, Council reviewed the project plan and the tender that will provide multi-modal transportation and drainage improvements in this busy area of our community.

The plan calls for the installation of multi-use asphalt walkways with concrete curbs along both sides of 122 Avenue from 222 Street to 216 Street, which will replace large sections of gravel shoulder where pedestrians currently walk. In addition to the walkway installation, this project will see the installation of three traffic buttons (small traffic circles) and the use of curb extensions and new road markings to provide for traffic calming and improved pedestrian safety. Part of the project will include the installation of catch basins and lawn basins to better manage the storm water run-off.

The project is scheduled to start in July 2012, with an emphasis on completing the portion of the works fronting MRSS as quickly as possible to reduce any impact to students returning to their studies in the fall.

In May 2012, Council approved the 2012 Pavement Rehabilitation Program, a multi-year plan that ensures existing roads, water systems, sewer lines and storm water systems are maintained in a systematic and sustainable way.

The list of paving projects in the 2012 program includes:

• Abernethy Way from 224 Street to 227 Street
• Laurie Avenue at 218 Street and Dover Road west of Wicklow Way
• Donovan Avenue at 216 Street to Wicklow Way
• Howison Avenue east and west of Hall Street
• Graves Street at 117 Avenue to Camwood Avenue
• 224 Street, Brown Avenue to the 12300 block (just north of 122 Avenue)
• 207 Street at Lougheed Highway to Camwood Avenue
• Fern Crescent at the 24000 block
• 130 Avenue top lift to Alouette Road
• Ditton Street top lift
• McFarlane Avenue at 209 Street and the 208 Street cul de sac
• 124 Avenue at 224 Street to Edge Street
• 224 Street and Dewdney Trunk Road intersection

Council also approved a project that will see the bridge barrier and railings replaced on Kanaka Creek Bridge, 112 Avenue at 246 Street, Coho Creek Bridge at 228 Street and 125B Avenue, and at the bridge over Millionaire Creek on Fern Crescent at 129 Avenue. This project is funded by the District's Infrastructure Sustainability Fund, which allows for the systematic planning and scheduling of much needed repairs and upgrades to our community's infrastructure.

"The District of Maple Ridge has close to a billion dollars of infrastructure in our community, most of it buried beneath the roads in our community. This summer, all around our community, you will see these projects being done to protect the existing roads and bridges, and in the case of the project along 122 Avenue, improve a section of road to offer our kids a safe way to get to and from school and promote walking and cycling along an older section of road," said Mayor Ernie Daykin. "In the last election, Council heard about the importance of creating pedestrian connections in our community, and this project will create some key connections to public parks and community amenities in the area just north and west of the Town Centre," he added.

Frank Quinn, General Manager: Public Works & Development Services, noted, "Council has created a strong financial and business planning framework that allows for long term planning and project management. As a result of Council's policy, we are able to bundle public safety projects, utility work and pavement remediation programs to maximize the value of our tenders and attract joint financing from senior government."

For more information, please contact:

David Pollock
Municipal Engineer
Tel: 604-467-7496
Email: dpollock@mapleridge.ca