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Rossland retaining wall replacement now underway

An arterial retaining wall on Highway 3B/22 in Rossland will be replaced with a new cast-in-place concrete structure.
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The arterial retaining wall on Highway 3B/22 in Rossland

Crews began working on the replacement of the arterial retaining wall on Highway 3B/22 in Rossland on Monday.

The old wall, located near the Miners’ Hall, is being replaced with a new cast-in-place concrete structure, and Copcan Civil Ltd. was recently awarded the $2.2. million contract for the project.

“The current retaining wall is at the end of its serviceable life and needs to be replaced,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a press release. “In addition to the improved design, the new wall will also be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye for the numerous motorists that drive by it every day.”

“Over time, materials that make up the structure break down and shift out of place, and occasionally fall onto the shoulder of the road, creating a hazard for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” adds the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The ministry and the City of Rossland are collaborating on the project so that the city can replace some of its aging infrastructure. Collaborating will not only allow the city to share costs with the province, but should also minimize the inconvenience to motorists, as the area will only need to be under construction once instead of twice.

The city has agreed to contribute a maximum of $160,000 to the project to replace waterworks, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and manholes. Though the most recent available cost estimate only puts the city’s share at $151,618.

“The province and the City of Rossland have worked together to ensure that the excavation required to remove and replace the wall does not result in major disruption of water and sewage disposal services to residents,” says the ministry. “Additionally, the partnership in design for the project will result in new water lines, storm and sanitary sewer services being installed to serve the residences. This change will also ensure that new materials placed to renew the roadway will remain undisturbed for years to come. New asphalt, signs and lane markings will be put in place to improve safety in the area after project completion.”

Motorists should expect daily single-lane closures in both directions and can check Drive BC for updates and delays.

Asked how it would respond to frustrated motorists given that Washington St. is also currently causing traffic delays, the ministry responded, “The ministry and the City of Rossland understand motorists’ concerns and have been mindful of the impacts to the public throughout the entire planning process for this project. The city and the ministry works are some significant improvements and investments into the City of Rossland. We apologize for any temporary inconveniences that may arise during construction.”

The project is expected to be complete by mid-October.