THUNDER BAY — More than four months after a broken culvert forced the closure of River Street, the City of Thunder Bay has chosen a contractor to replace both conduits that carry the waters of McVicar Creek beneath the four-lane artery.
"Their price was right on the budget number that we had," said city project engineer Mike Vogrig, who revealed Thursday that the successful bidder is Taranis Contracting.
Two other companies also submitted bids.
City council had approved a $2.5 million budget for the work.
Vogrig said "the most likely scenario" is that the project will not be completed until 2023.
"But if we get lucky with weather, and we get an extended fall with good temperatures where we can compact materials, then maybe we'll be able to get it open before Christmas."
Some paperwork and permits still need to be obtained, but Vogrig believes excavation work could begin sometime next week.
The existing twin 15-foot metal culverts will be replaced by a single structural multi-plate metal arch mounted on concrete footings.
