Stellarton Culvert will Address Flooding Concerns

The province is addressing flooding concerns of residents and business owners and re-establishing access to walking trails by fixing a drainage issue on Foord Street in Stellarton.

"We listened to concerns in the community and are resolving the situation," said Justice Minister Ross Landry, on behalf of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Maurice Smith. "It did take longer than anticipated, and we appreciate the patience shown by the community.

"It took time to come up with a plan to accommodate future development, such as expansion of the Stellarton Business Park. We wanted to do it right."

The drainage issues began after a large sinkhole appeared on Foord Street, one of the town's main streets. A part of the old culvert became blocked and could not be salvaged.

The new underground pipe is designed to by-pass previous drainage. It will be made of pre-cast sections that will last longer, be less expensive, and can be installed more quickly. Its seven-foot diameter is nearly twice the size of the old pipe.

"The project will remove all the uncertainty with our reliance on a temporary pumping system and major town businesses will no longer be inconvenienced during times of prolonged rainfall," said Tony Addis, town engineer, Stellarton. "It's great news to hear that the contract for this long-awaited project has been awarded."

The $4.3-million contract was awarded to Caldwell and Ross Limited, and includes plans to restore and upgrade a popular town walking trail that was compromised by flooding. Work will begin within weeks and is expected to be finished by summer.

The work is part of government's Capital Plan. This is the third straight year the province will release the plan before the spring budget. This sends a clear signal of what the province intends to do in the year ahead, and gives the private sector greater opportunity to prepare for projects, creating efficiencies and cost savings for the province.

Upgrading and replacing highway infrastructure is the part of the province’s 5-Year Highway Improvement Plan that has record-breaking investments in roads, bridges and highways. To view the plan, go to www.gov.ns.ca/tran/highways/5yearplan .