Roundabout opens in Sioux Lookout

Tim Brody - Editor

The roundabout at the intersection of Wellington Street, First Avenue and Hillcrest Drive in Sioux Lookout opened to traffic on Oct. 20.
Brian P. MacKinnon, Manager of Corporate Services/ Municipal Clerk for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout shared, “The project is ahead of schedule, but there are a few finishing items that need to be completed, which are impacted by temperatures.”
Work still to be completed includes work on the paving stones along the boulevard.
The project has also come in under budget.  The total projected cost of the project had previously been stated to be $2,556,573 breaking down as: Grants - $1,605,926 – ICIP Funding, Municipal - $589,547 – Long Term Debt, Municipal - $361,100 – Road Reserves.
Commenting on the roundabout project, Municipal CAO Michelle Larose shared, “Based on current traffic flows and with the expected increased traffic coming from the Hillcrest development, it was identified that improvements at this intersection were warranted. Due to their efficiency in moving traffic, a roundabout design was selected, and we are confident it will provide the ability to handle all current and future traffic volumes at this location.” 
A traffic impact study for the new development at the intersection had been prepared by Keewatin-Aski Ltd.
Asked about the Hillcrest development, to be located behind the four-plex at the intersection of Wellington Street and 1st Avenue South, the Municipality shared, “The development is pending the completion of servicing to the Hillcrest Property (water and sewer), which is also part of the roundabout project. The developer will then need to complete the servicing on the property. Once the lands are prepared and the servicing is complete, the Hillcrest development currently proposes a large office building and several commercial and retail developments.”
The Municipality added last week via social media, “The street is officially open once again! There is one part still closed though - the bicycle lane on the north side remains blocked off so the brick layers can finish the sidewalk. Please drive with care while everyone gets used to the new traffic pattern!”