Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project Update – April 2012

CRAIGFLOWER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT UPDATE APRIL 2012

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receives the report entitled “Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project Update April 2012”, dated April 4, 2012, from the Superintendent of Engineering, for information.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation.

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

• To update the Committee on the current status of the Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project.

TIME CRITICAL:

Not applicable to this report.

BACKGROUND:

A grant from the Gas Tax Strategic Priorities Fund of $10 million was obtained in 2011 for the Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project and related road approaches. The project scope approved by both Town of View Royal and Municipality of Saanich Councils includes a three lane bridge with bike lanes and sidewalks.

At the January 17, 2012 Council Meeting, staff submitted a report regarding public consultation for the project to date, the final design concept for approval, and the closure of Admirals Road during the construction period. At this meeting, the following resolution was passed:

THAT the District of Saanich and Town of View Royal Councils approve the final design concept so that staff may proceed immediately to final design completion, and that the Councils approve the closure of Admirals Road, from Island Highway to Gorge Road, for the construction period. (C-01-12)

Saanich Council passed a similar resolution at their February 6, 2012 Council Meeting.

Staff is now proceeding with final design, the extensive traffic management and communication plan, further stakeholder consultation and writing of the construction tender.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

Project Schedule:

Although both municipalities have been working diligently on an expedited timeline to begin bridge construction in June of this year, staff has recently learned of possible delays in receiving the required permitting in time for this construction start. Due to this uncertainty and impacts this may have on the awarding of the construction tender, staff has recommended the construction schedule be delayed, with alternative construction start dates being either January 2013 or June 2013. Staff is continuing to proceed with completion of the tender document, including final drawings, in a timely manner so that all documents and permits will be in place for the new start date. The revised schedule for this portion of the project is:

• Draft Tender Submission – April 24, 2012
• 100% Design Drawings Submission – May 29, 2012
• Complete Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Document – May 29, 2012
• Complete Tender Document – July 11, 2012

Staff will be finalizing the construction start date and the remainder of the schedule, in consultation with Council, by August of this year. It is highly likely that the new start date will be June 2013.

Issues and Progress:

• Issued press release on March 30, 2012 stating a delay in construction start to January 2013 or June 2013;
• Contacted various stakeholders and businesses regarding construction delay on March 30 and March 31, 2012;
• Completed 75% design drawing review and submitted to consultants;
• Geotechnical drilling and investigation of sub-base material completed in various locations in week of March 19;
• Currently finalizing Request for Qualifications document for the general contractor;
• 75% drawings submitted to Transport Canada; staff is awaiting official project approval from this agency;
• Environmental Report for Department of Fisheries completed and submitted in early March;
• Archaeological Impact Assessment now complete and submitted to Archaeology Branch. Application for Section 12 Site Alteration Permit currently in progress; approval process takes approximately two months.

Traffic Management:

• First draft of plan by the project’s transportation consultant has been completed. Staff currently reviewing this plan and will be distributing it among affected stakeholders, including Emergency Services, for comments.

Land Acquisition:

• Appraisal completed for Craigflower Manor property and discussions with Provincial Government in-progress;
• Working on required Application for Heritage Alteration Permit for Craigflower Manor property;
• Municipality of Saanich has now received approval from School Board for increased road dedication on Admirals Road along the Craigflower Elementary School frontage.

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:

The design team has completed a Class B construction cost estimate for the final design concept presented. Current estimates for the project are within the allotted budget of $10.775 million, which includes a 25% contingency for roadway construction and a 10% contingency for bridge construction.

The amount of the grant is $10 million; the remaining $775,000 is proposed by staff to be cost-shared as follows:

• 60% by Saanich ($465,000)
• 40% by View Royal ($310,000)

It should be noted that unforeseen costs may be incurred in the construction phase from such components as archaeological or environmental issues.

Staff is currently working on two draft cost-share agreements: one between UBCM and the two municipalities for the grant funding, and one between the two municipalities for the handling of monies over the grant amount.

With delays in bridge construction to 2013, the majority of funding required in the 2012 capital budget will be associated with land acquisition along the Craigflower Manor property frontage.

SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable to this report.

ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION:

Not applicable to this report.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receives the report entitled “Craigflower Bridge Replacement Project Update April 2012”, dated April 4, 2012, from the Superintendent of Engineering, for information.

SUBMITTED BY:

Deb Becelaere Superintendent of Engineering

REVIEWED BY:

Emmet McCusker Director of Engineering