An intersection on Hwy 12 on the west end of Stettler has hit a snag. ECA Review/Submitted
A Town of Stettler Hwy 12 construction project had to be re-tendered after it hit a snag with Alberta Transportation. Town council made the decision after a staff report at the June 15 regular meeting.
Director of Operations Melissa Robbins reported that plans to build a new intersection on Hwy 12 at Stettler’s west edge was already tendered by an engineering company and virtually ready to go, but Alberta Transportation would give final approval only if the speed limit was increased by 20 km/hr.
The intersection intends to serve substantial commercial development in that area, plus a new senior’s housing project that’s recently been re-zoned south of Hwy 12.
“Twenty twenty-one capital budget approved project to build the south half of a type IV intersection on Highway 12 at 80th Street for $600,000,” stated Robbins’ report to council.
“The intersection was designed with a driving speed of 50 km/hr and submitted for approval to Alberta Transportation. During the permit application submission, the project was tendered to secure a contractor.
“Alberta Transportation has approved the intersection; however, they require it to be constructed to meet a 70 km/hr design speed.
This includes building longer tapers into the intersection. Changing the design and increasing quantities will have an impact on the contract value and material pricing.
“Tagish Engineering tendered the project, with seven companies submitting bids. Bids ranged from $576,000 to $937,000. The estimated scope change is $200,000, and to stay compliant with the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) between Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba, open and competitive tendering is required for construction values of $200,000 or higher.”
Robbins stated her recommendation was to set aside the tenders and re-tender the project with the new 70 km/hr speed limit.
Robbins stated she was happy to see a lot of interest in the construction community about this project. She added, however, Alberta Transportation’s long-term plan includes minimal intersections and some other requirements.
Mayor Sean Nolls stated the long-term plans seem to be sound.
Coun. Gord Lawlor stated he was happy to see Alberta Transportation being communicative with the Town of Stettler and would like to avoid a bypass road.
Robbins stated the new tender is already re-engineered and ready to go.
Councillors unanimously agreed by resolution to set aside the previous tender and instead re-tender the Hwy 12 intersection project with a new 70 km/hr speed limit as recommended by staff.
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
