Patience paid off for Red Deer County after the winning bid for a Gasoline Alley road upgrade project came in $800,000 lower than earlier estimated.
The project to widen roads, build a roundabout and new path in Gasoline Alley was first tendered last summer. The only bid that came in — which was rejected — was $800,000 more than Border Paving Ltd.’s recent $2.1-million bid, the lowest of four submissions.
“I think this is extremely important and shows that our tender system does work in Red Deer County,” said Mayor Jim Wood.
The total cost of the project, including engineering and utilities costs, is $2.9 million, about $100,000 under the projected budget. Construction will begin next June and be finished in September.
The county plans to widen Lantern Street from Leva Avenue to Laura Avenue. A mini roundabout will be built at Liberty Avenue, which is also being widened and will include a pedestrian link to a new bus stop that has been placed in front of the a senior care facility under construction.
An asphalt path from Lake Street to Lantern Street is planned and it will provide a safe route to the Liberty Landing residential area and local businesses, including Gasoline Alley Farmers Market, which is opening Nov. 21.
“I see this as a natural evolution of the area,” said Coun. Christine Moore. “This is going to create a hub and we’re combining transportation, so we’re making it accessible.”
Improving the area and making it easier for pedestrians to get around will lead to more business investment, she predicted.
“We know this is going to continue to pay its way.”