Title
Range Road 55, Township Road 511 to Township Road 511A - Budget Approval Request
Proposed Motion
That Council approve an additional $555,000 of Gas Tax Funding, to a total upset limit of $842,500, for erosion control work along Range Road 55 between Township Road 511 and Township Road 511A.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
Additional funding is required prior to tendering Range Road 55, Township Road 511 to Township Road 511A.
Summary
A meander bend on Tomahawk Creek is encroaching on the road embankment of Range Road 55, resulting in bank erosion and significant sloughing of the road embankment. The slope failure has created hazardous conditions for vehicular traffic and requires an engineered solution to repair the bank and prevent further failure.
In 2016 Administration requested a budget of $287,500 to design and construct a solution to the bank erosion. The intent of this money was for a simple-short term fix to the issue, having minimal construction footprint and impact to Tomahawk Creek and a resolution that required a minimal amount of time and money. Early investigation into the proposed project identified the challenges would require a higher degree of effort to permanently resolve the concern.
Money was carried over to the 2017 budget to fully investigate the issue and in April 2017, Parkland County contracted Matrix Solutions Inc. to review several solutions to solve the creek erosion. The most preferred option was to realign Tomahawk Creek, by excavating a new channel through an oxbow, to remove the geo-hazard from Range Road 55 permanently. This option was selected as it was the long term solution and would allow the Range Road 55 side slope to be reconstructed to Parkland County’s current Engineering Design Standards.
The creek realignment option involves creating a short section of new creek bed that mimics the characteristics of a natural creek. This solution carries additional engineering and construction costs and provincial and federal approvals; however, it is a long-term solution that will permanently eliminate the encroachment of the Tomahawk Creek meander on the Range Road 55 road embankment.
The additional funds required are based on a detailed construction cost estimate prepared by Matrix Solutions Inc. These funds are being requested prior to receiving tender pricing to avoid any delay in awarding the tender. The desired construction timeline is February/March 2018. This has been identified as the optimal time to work within the creek to minimize disruptions to fish and other aquatic habitat. Approval of the additional funding will allow Administration to tender the work in January 2018 and move ahead with construction in February/March 2018.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
This request aligns with the 2016-2020 core values:
a) Responsibility: This project will “provide quality service to residents and clients through efficient and effective practices while we undertake continuous improvement”.
b) Community: This project will “maintain safe, vibrant, sustainable and prosperous communities by maintaining and expanding infrastructure and services".
Financial Impact:
Cost: $555,000
Source of Funding: Gas Tax Funding