By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Council for the Town of Essex awarded the construction of the Maidstone-Talbot intersection improvement project to D’Amore Construction (2000) Ltd. in the amount of $3,402,282.31.
In addition, Council also approved the contract administration and on-site inspection, including as-built drawings and end-of-maintenance inspection services to RC Spencer Associates in the amount of $152,640.00.
The additional funding of $803,003.31 was also approved above the approved 2026 Capital budget.
Originally, $3M was earmarked for the project. The additional funding will come out of: $96,806.87 – the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF); $140,154.05 – Development Charges; $52,320.49 – County of Essex Contributions; $539,080.72 – Urban Levy for Stormwater; and $539,080.72; $24,641.18 from MNSi.
There were eight bidders on this project, with D’Amore Construction being the lowest bidder.
Improvements include: improved right-turn lanes on Talbot Street North to Maidstone Avenue, both north and south, over lands acquired by the Town back in 2024; new left-hand turn lanes on Maidstone Avenue, both east and west; the start of the future multi-use pathway; new traffic signals; and new water main on Maidstone Avenue, from Bell Avenue to Talbot Street North.
Also included are improved street lighting within the intersection improvement area, new storm sewers on Maidstone Avenue, from Bell Avenue to Talbot Street North (not budgeted in the original budget estimate); new concrete sidewalk on the south-side of Maidstone Avenue, from Bell Avenue to Talbot Street North (not budgeted in the original budget estimate); and new asphalt pavement on Maidstone Avenue, from Bell Avenue to the eastern limit of the intersection improvement.
David McBeth, Manager of Capital Works and Asset Management, said originally the plan did not include the storm sewer, but as the design was completed, it was noticed it had to be upgraded, leading to the additional sidewalk work.
The intersection will include a video detection system, which McBeth said uses cameras that will pick up cars. The Town will be able to use that to make timing adjustments. He said a similar system will be at the South Talbot and Maidstone Avenue through the County of Essex.
In answering Councillor Katie McGuire-Blais on if it will monitor red light traffic and take photos to send tickets, McBeth said it would not be used for that and would not be monitored by staff.
He said it was likely double the price of the previous loop detection, but it will give the Town better information.
Councillor Joe Garon did have some concerns with the intersection. He confirmed with staff the intersection will have the ability to have advanced greens in all directions. Once construction starts, he has concerns about the detour plans and hopes a good one will be put in place, as it will be a lengthy project. He also had design concerns, but liked the plan overall.
It is hoped construction can begin in early July, after the Fun Fest, McBeth answered Councillor Rodney Hammond. It is anticipated to be completed sometime in December.
This is an intersection Mayor Sherry Bondy has heard complaints about since she has been on Council, “It’ll be short-term pain for long-term pain,” she said.
Only Hammond opposed the motion.