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Town of Innisfil looking to finish resurfacing of Gilford Road this year

Looking for 'a smooth and durable surface'
2020-05-14GilfordRoadMK
Gilford Road was resurfaced - but there are ongoing issues with the asphalt. Miriam King/Innisfil Today

The resurfacing of Gilford Road between Yonge Street and the 20th Sideroad remains an issue at Innisfil Council.

A traffic study in 2018 found that the road, used by an average of 6,000 vehicles per day, was in “fair to poor” condition, with numerous cracks, potholes and rutting.

Council set aside funds to remove the existing asphalt surface and repave the travel lanes and shoulder, retaining Tatham Engineering to provide oversight of the contractor, Dufferin Construction.

What was supposed to be an eight week project stretched out into 14 weeks, especially after localized ditch and driveway washouts required repairs. Tatham Engineering also identified a number of “significant deficiencies in the asphalt” – deficiencies that the contractor has disputed.

Final repairs are slated to be completed in 2020, but the cost – including the additional oversight required from the engineers, and the ongoing dispute with the contractor – remains an unknown at this time.

In the May 13 virtual meeting of Innisfil Council, Councillors authorized staff to continue negotiations with the Contractor, and spend what is necessary to address the deficiencies, complete the resurfacing, and ensure “that residents receive a smooth and durable road surface that will serve them for years to come.”

The roadwork was initially funded through infrastructure grants. Money will now come from the Road Rehabilitation program, and in some areas, from Development charges, where work overlaps with new development.

Staff has promised to provide Council with regular reports on the progress of the negotiations, the resurfacing work, and the costs.


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Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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