CORNWALL, Ontario – Big plans are in the works for a new-look Brookdale Avenue – but it’s going to come at the cost of traffic delays…again.
While Cornwall motorists have enjoyed unfettered access to the busy Cornwall artery for several weeks now following the demolition of the Seaway International Bridge, the street will be closed soon as work begins to reconstruct the road.
Glenn Hewus, vice-president of engineering with Engineering and Construction of Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, told city councillors Monday night the work is scheduled to be completed by the middle of December – and Brookdale is slated to be closed for about half that time.
“For the most part about 50 per cent of the time the roadway would be closed,” he said. “But we could make accommodations for local traffic.”
The improvements to Brookdale Avenue include straightening the road, adding new water and sewer infrastructure and trees, as well as a bicycle path.
The work is expected to cost about $7.4 million, with the bridge corporation paying $4.8 million, and the city forking over the balance. The work was initially slated to cost $10 million.
Local contractor Bray Construction has been tapped to complete the work.
Hewus also told councillors the bridge piers that remain in the St. Lawrence River are scheduled to be torn down, but a portion will remain just above the surface of the water – perhaps by as much as two metres.
Coun. Elaine MacDonald floated the notion that the city could provide some options to the bridge corporation concerning the future use of the piers, including an area to display artwork.
Hewus suggested the bridge corporation is open to suggestions about the piers – but time is becoming a factor.
Councillors were receptive to the new look for Brookdale Avenue.
“That is one of the most important entries and gateways to the City of Cornwall,” said Coun. Denis Carr.
The reconstruction work is expected to begin at the south end of Brookdale near Water Street and move north to the traffic circle near Seventh Street.
