Bellevue Main Street revamp update

Ongoing construction on Main Street in Bellevue is progressing steadily, with significant milestones already reached, according to Patrick Thomas, the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer. 

The project, which aims to revitalize a key portion of the community’s core, is expected to wrap up by Thanksgiving, though some minor tasks may extend into late October.

“The base layer of paving was completed last Friday,” Thomas said, “We’ll be adding a top layer once the concrete work is done.”

The remaining work includes completing sidewalks between 23rd and 25th Avenue, the north side of 25th to 27th Avenue, as well as finishing the interior and roof of public washrooms. Other tasks include paving a parking lot, installing streetlights, converting to underground power, and adding landscaping elements like trees, shrubs, rocks, and public furniture.

The project has experienced minor delays due to rock breaking for underground installations and additional scope items, but the team remains largely on track for completion. “The goal is to have the major work done by Thanksgiving,” Thomas said. “However, some minor items might carry on until the end of October.”

Local businesses and residents have faced challenges throughout the project, including access restrictions and temporary water shutdowns. 

“There’s no doubt that access has been restricted, with detours in place for both vehicles and pedestrians,” Thomas said. 

To minimize disruptions, crews installed a new waterline while keeping the old one functional until it could be abandoned, and road closures were kept as limited in scope as possible.

Safety standards are being closely monitored, with an onsite inspector provided by the project’s consultant ensuring compliance with Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards. The project is also adhering to environmental regulations under the Alberta Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA), with approved traffic plans in place, especially for tie-ins at Highway 3.

To keep residents informed, the municipality has taken a proactive approach to communication, according to Thomas. 

“We’ve handed out initial information to businesses and kept the public updated through Facebook, where major changes and road closures are announced,” he said. 

Thomas and the contractor have also been visiting businesses periodically to provide specific updates on potential impacts. With work expected to reach completion soon, the Bellevue Main Street project promises to bring substantial improvements, including enhanced pedestrian access, upgraded utilities, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces.

Residents are encouraged by Thomas to follow the Crowsnest Pass Municipal Facebook page for ongoing updates on the project’s progress, traffic changes, and any potential delays.