Roundabout project start date delayed

Tim Brody - Editor

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout has advised (https://bit.ly/3Iaw3rC) that due to delays in material deliveries and signage production, the Wellington Street roundabout project start date has been delayed to Monday, July 11.
Municipal Public Works & Infrastructure Manager Jeff Hawley 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.”
Once the project gets underway, the Municipality is advising residents to, “Expect traffic delays, with traffic reduced to one lane during peak times and up to 15 minutes of complete closure in both directions during off-peak hours.”
The Ed Ariano By-Pass will be used as a detour while the project is underway. The project is expected to be completed by early October.       
Work on the roundabout will be conducted by Makkinga Contracting and Equipment Rentals.
The total projected cost of the project is $2,556,573 breaking down as:
•    Grants - $1,605,926 – ICIP Funding
•    Municipal - $589,547 – Long Term Debt
•    Municipal - $361,100 – Road Reserves