The County of Prince Edward is undertaking infrastructure work on York St in Picton to ensure nearly 400 residential and commercial properties continue to have reliable sanitary sewer service.
County Council awarded the tender for the project on Sep 23 to Cobourg Development Services Ltd. Council approved the project in the 2024 capital budget. The tender award was in the amount of $855,941 plus HST. The funds will come from the reserves for water and wastewater capital projects as well as the reserve for road construction.
The municipality says this project is a high priority because of the deteriorating condition of a large trunk sanitary sewer that runs underneath York St. If the sewer fails, staff will have to install a by-pass pump with a large generator running 24/7. The cost of the sewer by-pass would be approximately $17,000 per month.
In addition to replacing the existing sanitary sewer, the project includes replacing the watermain, installing a new asphalt roadway and sidewalk, and adding a curb and storm sewer to accommodate the curb.
Reconstruction on York St will take place between Picton Main St and Mary St this fall and next spring (no work will take place during the winter months). Because of long-standing issues with soil stability in the area and to avoid damaging adjacent buildings, the design team considered unique ways to replace the pipe without digging a trench.
To accomodate the most viable replacement method, the municipality will have to close the eastbound lane of Picton Main St at the beginning of the project until the middle of December 2025. Temporary traffic signals will ensure one lane of traffic always remains open. Signage will direct drivers to an alternate route around the construction using Walton St, King St, and Paul St. The work on Picton Main St will be completed outside the high traffic summer months. A handrail will be installed on the steepest of the hill on York St to assist pedestrians.
In the coming weeks, Cobourg Development Services will develop a detailed construction schedule with input from staff. A Public Information Centre will take place this fall to share the schedule and additional information with residents and business owners.
For questions about this project, please contact Jeff Shortt, Project Manager, at 613.476.2148 extension 1007 or email jshortt@pecounty.on.ca.
(HAILEY MACDONALD)
