Ottawa infrastructure spending ramps up

The project to widen Hazeldean Road will take about $65 million of federal stimulus money earmarked for Ottawa. (CBC)

A few major construction projects in Ottawa may not be completed before funding from the federal government's infrastructure spending program is cut off, a city official said Thursday.

Wayne Newell, Ottawa's director of infrastructure services, said nearly two-thirds of the $401 million in federal stimulus money earmarked for Ottawa has been committed, with 91 of the 115 projects tendered.

Work is also well underway to extend roads, renew infrastructure and expand cultural and recreational facilities across the capital, said Newell, who presented the update in a technical briefing for city councillors on Thursday.

But work on two major projects — the widening of Hazeldean Road and the extension of Terry Fox Drive — are expected to continue past March 2011, which is the deadline to be eligible for infrastructure money.

In those cases, the city will have to make up the difference for work done past the deadline, said Newell.

Don't rush work, construction group says

"At this point in time what we're projecting for those two projects combined is about $4.5 million in projects that won't be completed by the deadline," said Newell.

He said the city can cover the costs with money it was expecting to spend on infrastructure but didn't have to because of the federal stimulus funds.

While Newell doesn't foresee the deadline as a big issue, the National Capital Heavy Construction Association said it would like to see funding rules relaxed for projects already begun to ensure work isn't rushed in the event weather conditions cause delays.

"Does it make good sense to be putting the final lift of asphalt on a road with snow on the ground?" asked NCHCA spokesman Dale Harley. "And the answer to that is no."

The federal government hasn't given any indication it will alter the deadline, so the city is gearing up for what Newell said will be the most summer construction projects ever in the city.

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Ottawa infrastructure spending ramps up

Don't rush work, construction group says

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