Grand Falls-windsor overpass overhaul delayed due to pandemic
The scheduled overhaul a major thoroughfare in Grand Falls-windsor has hit a pandemic-sized snag.
And, there is no timetable for when the project will get started.
The original goal was to have the refurbishment of the Union Street overpass finished in the early stages of the summer after a month of construction. The work was to be completed by the provincial government as the road falls under its jurisdiction.
However, the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and when the restrictions around that will be lifted has caused delays in the provincial government’s timeline.
“It is possible that the start of this project may be delayed into the summer because of the Coronavirus situation,” Deputy Mayor Mike Browne said during an April 14 council meeting.
During that meeting, the town recommended that it continue to work with the provincial government to make sure the project is completed at some point in the future.
While the tender for the project has yet to be awarded, it is expected to be done in the next several weeks.
The safety of workers and stopping the spread of the virus is a factor for road work this year. Work will proceed when it is safe to do so,” said a spokesperson with the Department of Transportation and Works. “When work proceeds, all contractors will be required to follow all workplace recommendations related to COVID-19 and road crews will be adjusting to new these requirements.”