Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX – The township is set to improve its infrastructure with the approval of a significant tender for culvert replacements, focusing on enhancing road safety and managing water flow effectively. The tender for the construction of culverts C133, C210, and B204 was awarded to JLH Excavating Inc. at the July 17 council meeting, as part of the township’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading crucial infrastructure.
During the meeting, Mauro Castrilli, the Public Works Manager, presented the tender results, confirming that the project aligns with the municipal procurement policy and fits within the allocated budget. The project’s total cost is $522,788.00, exclusive of HST, which is within the planned expenditures for the township’s capital budget.
The culverts involved are located at different points across the township:
•Culvert C133 is located at Pratt Siding Road south of Centreville Drive.
•Culvert C210 is situated on Dundonald Road north of Hyndman Drive.
•Culvert B204 is found on Switzer Drive west of Thames Road.
These locations are critical for the township’s water management and road safety strategy. The construction on Dundonald Road is particularly challenging due to the steep incline, necessitating additional safety measures such as guardrails. Castrilli explained the process of extending the culverts, which involve negotiations with landowners to use additional land, thereby avoiding more extensive construction work and ensuring the project remains within budget.
The council’s unanimous decision to award the tender to JLH Excavating Inc. reflects confidence in the contractor’s proposal, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and compliance with technical specifications. Mayor Allan Mayhew and the council members expressed satisfaction with the transparency of the procurement process and the thorough preparation by the public works department.
As the projects commence, they are set to provide substantial improvements to the community’s infrastructure, focusing on sustainability and safety.
