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About the Alpha Street Project
The City of Owen Sound is excited to announce the completion of the Alpha Street Reconstruction Project, which will see the full reopening of Alpha Street on Monday, November 25, 2024!
Completed on budget and ahead of schedule, this significant $5.2 million capital project marks a major investment in the City’s infrastructure and quality of life for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of this reconstruction project?
The goal of this project is to upgrade underground infrastructure and pipes and enhance the road surface.
When it's done, people in the area will benefit from improved watermain services, new trees, a smooth paved path for walking and biking, safer crossings for pedestrians, easier views for drivers, and overall, the area will be safer and easier to get around.
Will Alpha Street be fully closed?
Alpha Street will be closed throughout the project. There will be signs showing another way to go (detour).
During the construction, people who live on or near Alpha Street can still use the roads (local traffic), but they might have to wait sometimes.
You can still walk in the area while the work is happening.
Shops and businesses in the area will remain accessible while the construction is going on.
Will my garbage and recycle pick up be interrupted?
No need to worry, garbage and recycling will still be picked up on the regularly scheduled days. Just make sure to put your waste out by 7:00 a.m. as usual.
But, it's important to label your bins with your home address during the Alpha Street construction!
The Contractor team will move bins for pickup, but they'll bring them back to where they belong, as long as they're labelled with your address.
What is the area that will be reconstructed?
This project involves working on Alpha Street from 6th Avenue West to 9th Avenue West (Grey Road 17B or the top of Nicol's Gully).
What will this project change or modify?
Initial work will include the necessary removal of existing trees along the easterly side of Alpha Street, which would otherwise be damaged by construction. Planting of new trees is included in the project, which will follow the street reconstruction works.
This construction will involve the removal and replacement of existing underground services, including sanitary sewers, watermains and storm sewers, and above ground streetscape works including road, curbs and sidewalks.
The new streetscape will be very similar to existing with a two-lane road, partial sidewalks on the westerly side (as presently exists) and a continuous sidewalk on the easterly side. The main difference will be that the easterly sidewalk will be changed to a continuous three-metre wide asphalt multi-use path to easily accommodate bicycles and mobility devices. A low retaining wall will be placed along the east side of the hill to fit the wider sidewalk. There also will be three pedestrian crossing locations. At 6th Ave W, at 8th Ave W and at 11th St W.
Will City or school bus stops and services be affected by this project?
Yes, Owen Sound Transit Brooke and Crosstown routes will be affected. Please click through to see the map of the updated transit routes.
The Mobility Bus will still be able to pick up registered riders as needed.
Some school bus routes and stops will be affected by construction. All school transportation questions can be directed to the Grey Bruce Student Transportation Consortium. They can be contacted by:
- Phone: 226-257-1000
- Email: contact@stscgb.ca
What is the project's timeline?
The project is set to start in April of 2024.
It is set to end in December of 2024.
The total project budget is $9.8 Million. Savings realized through the the competitive procurement process resulted in the overall budget being reduced to $6.77 Million
The surplus funding from the construction-related savings will be allocated to the appropriate reserve at the completion of the project. The allocation of reserve funds will be considered in future multi-capital plans.
This project is partially funded by an OCIF (Ontario Community Infrastructre Fund) Grant.
Will my hydro or water service be interrupted?
Yes, at certain points throughout the project, those who live in and around the project area on Alpha Street may experience service interruptions.
The contractor on site will notify residents before this happens.
All interruptions will be temporary and turned back on as soon as possible.
From 6th Ave W to Nicol's Gully Road, where water pipes are being replaced, water will still be supplied using a temporary system. The Contractor team can give more details about when and how this temporary system will be set up.
Who is the contractor on the project?
Moorefield Excavating out of Harriston, Ontario.
The main contact is:
John Landen, Site Superintendent
Phone 519-577-7057
What are standard work times for construction to take place?
Construction crews can work on City projects between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
If I have questions or concerns, who do I contact?
If you have any worries while construction is happening, you can contact the people listed below:
Contractor: Moorefield Excavating
Site Superintendent: John Landen
Phone: 519-577-7057
Consulting Engineer: GM BluePlan Engineering Ltd.
Site Inspector: Chris Slocombe
Phone: 519-373-2049
City of Owen Sound: Engineering Services
Project Lead: Spencer Hammill
Phone: 519-376-4440 Ext.3301
Detour
The recommended detour around Alpha Street follows 10th Street West to 2nd Avenue West and 14th Street West.
Click the image below to enlarge it.
City Bus Service Changes
Update Nov. 19: Bus stops, including Owen Sound Transit and school bus pick-up and drop-off locations, temporarily re-routed during the project, will return to their usual routes starting Monday, December 2, 2024.
Yes, Owen Sound Transit Brooke and Crosstown routes will be affected. Please click through to see the map of the updated transit routes.
The Mobility Bus will still be able to pick up registered riders as needed.
Some school bus routes and stops will be affected by construction. All school transportation questions can be directed to the Grey Bruce Student Transportation Consortium. They can be contacted by:
- Phone: 226-257-1000
- Email: contact@stscgb.ca
Project Photos
Click the images below to enlarge them and see the current progress of the Alpha Street project!
Project Lead
Spencer Hammill, Engineering Technologist III
City of Owen Sound
Phone: 519-376-1440 ext. 3301
Email: shammill@owensound.ca
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