Get ready for roundabouts, Greater Sudbury.
City councillors approved plans Tuesday to use a $4 million surplus in the $80.1 million Maley Drive extension project to four-lane more of Maley, commonly viewed as the worst roadway in Greater Sudbury.
The work would only be done if the $4 million surplus isn't eaten up by unexpected costs, project manager Dave Shelsted told council. Assuming it does, the section of Maley between Barrydowne Road and Lansing Avenue would be four-laned, and a roundabout would be installed at the corner of Lansing and Maley.
It would join the roundabout already planned for the corner of Barrydowne and Maley.
“This section of Maley Drive is forecast to be one of the busiest sections, and it will reduce the cost and scope of the future Phase 2 Maley Drive project,” says a staff report on the plan.
Shelsted said the surplus is largely because of lower tender prices and cheaper costs to move utility poles than expected. There's still some risk, because of soil conditions, more utility poles that need to be moved and the fact the third and final contract for Maley is yet to be awarded.
But if current trends continue, Shelsted said he has talked with upper levels of government about adding the extra work, and both said they would consider it because it's already planned in phase 2 of the Maley extension.
But if the project goes overbudget, they have been told they won't increase funding.
“Cost overruns remain the city’s responsibility, as it is with our current agreement,” he said.
“But if we don't realize the surplus, we won't be doing it?” asked Ward 9 Coun, Deb McIntosh.
“That's correct,” Shelsted said.
The federal and provincial government are funding the project equally with the city, each contributing one-third of the costs. Mayor Brian Bigger asked Shelsted if the $4 million would be returned if the extra work wasn't done.
“The provincial and federal portions of that funding would be lost?” Bigger asked.
“That's absolutely correct,” Shelsted said, saying the upper levels of government approved the funding for Maley only, and the city couldn't spend the $4 million on something else.
The proposal was approved easily and staff will report back in early 2019 with a financial update and business case for the work.
The contract will be structured so the added lanes and roundabout will only be completed if they budget surplus is maintained.
Shelsted also said there was a public meeting in May to get feedback from residents, who were primarily concerned with noise and vibration as part of the blasting for the project.
Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann, whose ward includes areas under construction for Maley, thanked Shelsted for leading the meeting.
“The fact staff were there to listen to residents” at the May 2 meeting had a positive effect, she said, adding “this neighbourhood is still concerned about noise.”
A website has been set up to offer information on the project, and to allow residents to give input. You can find it here.
