May 15, 2008.
It's not likely a date that stands out for any particular reason.
However, it is a date that should have some significance for Estevan residents.
On the evening of May 15, 2008, over 100 people made their way to the Multi-Purpose Room at the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre to learn of the provincial Ministry of Highways plan for a heavy truck bypass around the city.
For the most part, the meeting was a positive one. The ministry's consultant laid out their plans and although no timeline was announced, most of the attendees came away with a feeling that the much awaited truck route was in Estevan's not too distant future.
Today is January 26, 2011 and, sadly, the truck route is no closer to fruition than it was on that night in March.
It might even be argued after recent comments from the ministry that the start of construction is further away than it ever has been since this whole process began. We are well aware that any project in which the government is involved is instantly destined to move at a far slower pace than most would like, but this is borderline ridiculous.
It is nearing three years since that initial meeting and the ministry, by its own admission is "not in a position to put a timeline on construction of this project."
As has been well documented, configuring the intersection on the west side of the bypass is the culprit for much of the delay. In all fairness, this is not entirely the ministry's fault. It's become obvious they were presented with a lousy plan by their consultants, one that was not well thought out and unsafe, something that was pointed out by a group of concerned citizens whose work prompted the ministry to reconsider and, ultimately scrap, the proposed west intersection with Highway 39.
But those concerns were raised in September of 2009. What has been going on since? Well, according to the ministry, a value engineering study was needed after the decision was made to reconfigure the intersection. Comments at the time suggested that would take place as soon as possible.
It happened in June 2010.
Now, the ministry says the study is done and they expect discussions with stakeholders to continue for the next few months. And once that is complete, a final report will be completed. But wait, they still have to have purchase the land and conduct an environmental impact study, which begs the question why hasn't much of this work already been completed or, at the very least, started?
We realize these things take time but with the plethora of delays that have already occurred, it's become high time the ministry finds a way to expedite this process. Judging by the comments, its obvious 2010 is a write-off in terms of getting construction started.
That cannot be allowed to happen. Estevan is already inundated with heavy trucks and all indications are that traffic will only increase. There are serious infrastructure and safety issues to consider. With the way some these of trucks tear through the city, especially in winter, it's shocking someone hasn't been killed or seriously injured.
It might take a little political arm-twisting, but someone has to step and get this process started. There has been enough dithering, enough foot-dragging and more than enough delays to last 10 projects.
The time has come for leadership and the time has come for action.
