University Drive work almost complete

Rain is no help, but city crews are still expecting to complete this year’s University Drive upgrading by month’s end.

“There are always rain delays, but we are still pushing to the Sept. 30 opening of the Grand River Boulevard intersection,” reports senior project administrator Robert Kovacs.

“We plan to finish the underground work — including the electric utility duct bank — and finish all the areas that we have started,” he says.

That would bring work on the road twinning project up to the Grand River Boulevard intersection, where new traffic signals will be in full operation.

Meanwhile, motorists can expect minor detours for the third entrance to RiverStone (RiverGlen Link) and another minor detour on University Drive (southbound) to open-cut the road for installation of the electrical duct bank.

Next year’s phase, Kovacs says, will extend south to the Sunridge roundabout, including widening the existing single-lane circle to become a multi-lane roundabout.

Then crews will complete the “top lift” paving — after milling the existing lanes — along with landscaping and pathways, he says. New benches, garbage containers, doggie bag dispensers and thermal plastic road markings will also be installed.

“We will do an inspection at the end of the construction season this year,” he adds.

Then transportation construction officials will “hand over” the roadway for maintenance crews to keep open through the winter.

Kovacs thanks everyone for following the detours and speed zones through this year’s construction season, making it safer for workers and pedestrians.

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