Nancy Peckford says the construction tender for replacing the bridge on County Road 43 in Kemptville will go out within the next few weeks.
Peckford spoke about the road expansion project at her annual “Mayor’s Address” event at the Municipal Centre Thursday night.
She says part of the reason the project has seen so many delays is because the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville had to buy up some land.
“The Counties had to enter into land purchase agreements with up to 28 different commercial properties,” Peckford explains. “The emphasis, in terms of the County Road 43 expansion, was not disrupting any residential homes. So, the real focus was looking at where we could acquire property with the collaboration of the private sector.”
The expansion, which has been in the works for several years, will see the road widened to four lanes throughout Kemptville.
The bridge over the Kemptville Creek needs to be replaced first, because it’s nearing the end of its useful lifespan.
Peckford, also the Warden of the United Counties, says needing to replace the bridge was an unexpected setback that added at least $10 million to the price tag for the expansion.
She expects the tender to go out in early June.