Since July, contractors have been working on the stretch through Boissevain, as well as pieces to the north and south. There have been a few weather delays, including rain and snow, and so completion is not possible. But, according to Herb Mahood, Director of Regional Operations for MIT, everything should be safe and ready for the next season.

“Right now,” Mahood said on Wednesday, “we are working at getting the asphalting on the majority of the vulnerable area. In the next couple of days we will pave as much as possible.”

He said all except the part right in front of the school should have at least one layer – or lift – of pavement on it. Some parts have two. That will hold it through the winter. Overall, Mahood said they are likely about 80% complete on the project, which also included new curbs and gutters along the highway in town. The new entrance to the health centre also has seen a great deal of work.

As a good dump of snow is predicted for Saturday, they have to be packed up and gone by then. They will be back when the weather is suitable in the spring. Mahood said the contractor, Borland, will want to get in and out as soon as possible in 2018 to move on to other projects. He asks the public to bear with them for the rest of the week.

“You like to start a job and finish it at once,” he said, “but it doesn’t always work that way. We will be back in the spring and everything should be safe for winter.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff