The planned roadway was included in the Bedford West transportation master plan and the Capital Cost Contribution program.
The connector road is considered a minor collector roadway which will connect Kearney Lake Road to the Highway 102/Larry Uteck Boulevard Interchange.
“It was considered a good initiative coming forward. They can’t move forward with the Bedford West development without this proceeding as well,” explained Coun. Debbie Hum.
Construction is slated to take place in three phases, with work on the first phase expected to begin this year. That will include clearing and grubbing, wetland alteration, culvert extensions and roadway subgrade construction.
Phase two involves construction of the roadway from the Larry Uteck Interchange to the Kearney Lake Road right-of-way boundary. It will include storm sewer installation, roadway gravels, concrete curb and gutter, trail construction and asphalt pavement. That work is expected to take place in 2013.
The final phase is construction of the intersection at Kearney Lake Road, including the road’s realignment, traffic signals and private property reinstatement. That work is expected to be completed in 2013/2014.
“The Kearney Lake community overall has been involved, with representatives from the Kearney Lake Residents Association and interested area residents attending the public consultation process,” Hum said.
During council’s discussion of the staff report at last week’s regional council meeting, Hum wanted assurances there would still be public consultations as the project went forward. She said staff agreed there would be further public meetings on issues that include the final design and construction of the road, the trail, and the project’s timelines.
Although concerns about overall development happening in the area have been raised throughout the process, Hum said it was designated a growth area in the regional plan.
“They’re trying to address that by getting proper infrastructure in place, and that includes transportation and active transportation,” she said.
Another concern raised by residents was the need to ensure the design addressed environmental issues.
“People didn’t want any impact to Kearney Lake, which is why the connector was moved away from the existing Kearney Lake Road to take away from issues like sedimentation and silt run-off,” she said.
The total project cost is an estimated $4.3 million, with HRM’s 33 per cent contribution totalling $1,386,000.
From HRM Staff Report, Kearney Lake Connector
Construction of the first phase is anticipated to be completed this year at an estimated cost of $1.9 million. Construction of phases 2 and 3 is expected to be completed by the end of 2013/2014 at a cost of $1.3 million and $1.1 million respectively.
In addition to construction costs, the developers in sub-areas 5 and 9 are contributing the land needed for the road right-of-way. The developer in sub-area 5 will also pay for turning lanes that are for the sole benefit of the development.
Project Cost Sharing Summary:
Phase 1
HRM Share (33%)--$ 627,000
Developer Share-CCC Program--$1,273,000
Total Project Cost--$1,900,000
Phase 2
HRM Share--$396,000
Developer Share, CCC Program--$804,000
Developer Share, Turning Lanes--$100,000
Total Project Cost--$1,300,000
Phase 3
HRM Share--$363,000
Developer Share, CCC Program--$737,000
Total Project Cost--1,100,000
OVERALL PROJECT COST--$4,300,000
Halifax NewsNet
