By Fatima Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca
Halton council approved a report last month recommending a budget increase of $7.6 million to address “unforeseen construction costs” for the Trafalgar Road widening and Georgetown water main projects.
Regional council approved the report on Sept. 18, recommending raising the total from $71.5 million to $79.1 million. The report said the budget increase will help address unexpected costs in the expansion of Trafalgar Road and installation of a new water main in Halton Hills.
“The revised overall project budget covers construction costs as well as other items, including engineering design, contract administration, property acquisition and utility relocation,” said Andrew Farr, commissioner of public works, in an email to IFP.
The Trafalgar Road project began in June 2021, with plans to widen the road from two lanes to four between Steeles Avenue and 10 Side Road. A new water main from the Ashgrove Pumping Station to Eighth Line was also included in the project.
“Halton residents and motorists rely on Trafalgar Road to get to work and school, and to access services every day,” Farr said. “As the community grows, projects such as this help us to keep traffic moving along this important north-south corridor.”
The project was scheduled to be completed by Jan. 31; however, the timeline has been pushed back to late 2024 or early 2025 due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
“In addition to the road widening, improvements include new water mains, traffic signals, street lights, paved shoulders and a new multi-use pathway for residents travelling by foot, bike or other non-motorized means,” Farr said.
According to the report, invasive phragmites, contaminated soils and utility relocation delays were among the reasons for additional construction costs exceeding the approved budget.
Staff recommended the budget be increased not only to address the unforeseen costs, but also the anticipated legal, expert and project administration expenses necessary for completing the project.
Invasive phragmites, a restricted invasive plant species, were “identified within existing ditches at many locations within the project limits,” according to the report. The treatment is estimated to cost around $710,000.
“The invasive phragmites cannot be avoided as part of the roadway widening and water main installation work, as such (the contractor) Fermar was requested to treat and dispose of the invasive phragmites in compliance with best management practices recommended by the Ministry of Natural Resources,” the report noted.
The report also noted contaminated soil material was encountered during excavation for the Trafalgar Road widening work.
“Contamination was verified through soil chemical analysis,” the report said. “Fermar is now required to dispose of the contaminated soil, which is additional scope that was not contemplated under the original contract.”
The cost associated with the disposal of the contaminated soil is approximately $2.5 million.
The report also notes that delays in utility relocations added about $3.39 million in costs. Fermar has also submitted claims for lost productivity, with legal and consulting fees expected to reach $1 million.
“Trafalgar Road is an important north-south corridor that residents and motorists rely on to get to work, school and services every day,” the project website reads. “Halton Region is making every effort to minimize potential disruptions and help you plan ahead for construction activity.”
For more information about the project and its completion, including notice of any service disruptions or construction impacts, visit the Halton Region’s website.
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