A new measure is in place to prevent further damage from a slide in Peace River. Construction is now done on two anchored sheet pile walls that will protect 99 Street.
The hill in that area started to slide in 2016, and cracks in the street were noticed when the town was looking at developing the area. It town says a block of apartments, a business, and water and sewer lines were in danger. Those utility lines have since been moved, and a wall has been placed near the top of the slide and closer to the bottom.
“I was very impressed with how the project was executed,” says Peace River Mayor Tom Tarpey. “It involved an innovative design. We saved a lot of residences and public infrastructure. My thanks go out to the contractors and sub-contractors to both our federal and provincial governments for their financial support on what was an emergency situation.”
Work has taken the past eight months and was funded in part by both the federal and provincial governments. They provided a combined $3.84 million, while the Town of Peace River covered the rest at just more than $2.85 million.
“I’m very pleased to see this landslide remediation project in Peace River is now complete,” says Alberta Minister of Transportation Brian Mason. “This joint investment was critical to ensure the safety of residents, local homes and businesses. It’s also important to remember that completing this work sooner than later was economically prudent. This work will protect the economic wellbeing of Peace River and undoubtedly, provide peace of mind to its residents.”