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FORT McMURRAY — The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is investing an additional $10 million in road paving this construction season, with work expected to begin later this month and continue into the fall.
Council approved the funding to accelerate road rehabilitation projects on aging municipal streets across the region rather than waiting until next year’s construction season.
The work will include removing the top layer of worn asphalt and replacing it with new pavement to improve driving conditions and extend the life of roadways. The municipality said many neighbourhoods will see some level of paving or road repairs.
Mayor Sandy Bowman said the additional investment will allow crews to complete more work during a season that has already seen a record number of road repairs.
“We know there is no point in waiting for next year to do more. It’s better to get it done now in support of residents and our staff,” Bowman said in a statement.
The municipality said harsh winter conditions and repeated freeze-thaw cycles accelerated deterioration on many roads, leaving some areas beyond the point where routine maintenance alone could prevent further damage.
Officials said Franklin Avenue will not be repaved until work on the Reach 6 flood mitigation project along Clearwater Drive advances further. Rehabilitation work on Confederation Way is also being considered for future construction seasons because of the project’s size and complexity.
The municipality said general spot paving and pothole repairs already underway will continue throughout the construction season and are separate from the newly approved $10 million paving program.
Construction notices, including project locations, timelines and traffic impacts, will be released before work begins.
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