Prince Albert councillors question Public Works over viaduct repair delay

“For me as a councillor that votes, and votes on a million-dollar project that’s going to be completed this year and we tell our tax payers this year, we need to do this and you need to give us a million dollars that’s going to sit in our bank account for a year, is not a good look,” said Coun. Darren Solomon.

Public Works director Jeff Da Silva and operations manager Mohammad Kraishan said the full extent of the repairs was not known until a secondary inspection was completed in March by an external consultant.

The city identified issues with the southbound viaduct during an internal inspection last fall and added it as a priority during 2026 budget discussions. Council approved $1 million for the project, despite not knowing the exact scope of the repairs.

At the time, no issues had been identified with the northbound viaduct.

After the budget was approved, Public Works issued a request for proposals and selected WSP Canada in February to complete a detailed inspection, testing program and rehabilitation strategy assessment. Both viaducts were included in that review.

“The original inspection in the fall hadn’t highlighted the same level of damage to the slabs that we saw on the one structure. Once they were able to go in and get a more detailed view and inspection of that, they identified that damage was there,” said Da Silva.

After reviewing the consultant’s findings, staff determined the best option was to develop a broader rehabilitation plan.

A secondary inspection shows that both north and south bound viaducts on 6th Avenue need to be fixed, doubling the project cost. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)

The recommended work includes a semi-integral abutment conversion with girder-end repairs. Staff estimate each viaduct would require about 14 weeks of work, with one side closed at a time while two-way traffic is maintained on the other.

Because of the additional scope and timing, staff said the project could no longer be tendered and completed this year.

The recommendation is not final and will need approval during council’s 2027 budget discussions this fall.

Coun. Dawn Kilmer questioned how the city plans for major capital projects and whether a more proactive approach could prevent surprises like the viaduct repairs.

“How do you make the decision of how to stack the capital projects to us and ask for an increase or what are the variables that you think about?” she asked.

Da Silva said the city is already moving toward a more long-term asset management approach.

“We are moving towards a model of looking at what the overall higher risk, highest risk items are, understanding what our asset life looks like and what kind of renewal you’d get to,” he said.

He said one example would be tracking the overall condition of roads and streets to create a better understanding of future budget needs.

Coun. Dan Brown questioned why council was only hearing about the delay months after the inspection was completed.

“You’re saying we have three options, we have one and it’s not even an option. It’s something we have to do,” he said.

“So in between March and June, did we talk to contractors to see if anybody wanted to do one side or we just gave up on this year’s plan that we already put money away for and approved?”

Da Silva said the city needed time to review the consultant’s findings and determine the best rehabilitation strategy.

“I’m certainly mindful of the timing, and I know we’re in front of you now in July. The inspection was done in March. It takes time for inspection reports and then the strategy to get put together,” he said.

He added the inspection confirmed both viaducts remain safe for use until the repairs can be completed.

Council voted to send the matter to a regular council meeting for a formal decision on delaying the project, as required because of the project’s dollar value.

If approved, Public Works expects to tender the project once the 2027 budget is finalized, likely in December.

In the meantime, councillors said they want options for funding the estimated $2-million project, with several saying they do not want the cost covered through local property taxes.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social

by Susan McNeil

Prince Albert councillors question Public Works over viaduct repair delay

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