Keep cool Colwood crawlers, as construction for the McKenzie interchange project will take an extra seven months.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure confirmed the project is now on track for a summer 2019 completion, at least seven months longer than the fall 2018 target date.
Jacob Bros. ran into surprise winter conditions of heavy rain and snow that delayed settling of the fill materials (rock, dirt and gravel).
“The ministry adjusted the schedule to lessen both traffic and noise impacts and to improve traffic flow along the corridor to better accommodate the needs of nearby residents,” said a MOTI statement on Thursday. “As well, there were challenging weather conditions this past winter requiring more time for the ground to settle for the subsequent construction in Phase 1.”
RELATED: First phase of McKenzie interchange work at halfway point
Wednesday’s announcement from MOTI confirmed Westpro Constructors will lead the second and final construction contract for the project, a $42.6-million contract and will pick up where Jacob Bros. leaves off.
“Jacob Bros. did excellent work on Phase 1 and will now work to complete their contract and Westpro will being Phase 2 work early October 2017.”
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The remaining work involves lowering the Trans-Canada Highway underneath McKenzie-Admirals, constructing the ramps, overpass, and new pedestrian-cyclist bridge over the highway.
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Westpro is based out of the Lower Mainland where they have led similar projects such as the McCallum Road bridge and interchange with Highway 1 in Abbotsford, and four of the 12 Millenium Line Skytrain stations (Sperling/Burnaby Lake, Lake City Way, Production Way/University, and Braid Station).
“A tremendous amount of progress can be seen on-site and awarding the second contract is another milestone step towards completing this interchange project that will improve traffic flow in the Capital Regional District, reduce collisions, and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists,” said new Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claire Trevena.
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Other construction delays have picked up in recent months though the most disruptive tasks have been done outside of peak traffic periods, usually overnight.
Follow www.drivebc.ca for traffic updates.
The total estimated cost of the Highway 1 Admirals Road/McKenzie interchange is $85 million, with the Government of Canada contributing up to $32,647,500 under the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects and the Government of British Columbia funding the remaining $52,352,500.
