Grandlinq seeks overnight construction noise exemption from Kitchener

Grandlinq, the company responsible for the design and build of the Region of Waterloo's ION LRT, has asked for a noise exemption from the City of Kitchener so it can work overnight to complete work on schedule. 

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Though the company has said construction is more than 90 per cent complete, the staff report to council called the project "extensive" and said the exemption would be required until the end of 2017 to "assist with accelerating schedules and construction activities to improve productivity during the construction season."

It went on to say doing the work overnight would affect drivers less than the alternative.  

"An after-hours noise exemption allows for the required work to continue while best addressing impacts to the motoring public," said the staff report. 

Grandlinq asked for a similar noise exemption in the City of Waterloo last year, which was approved until Dec. 31, 2017. 

According to the staff report the overnight construction would be between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., in the following areas: 

• King Street from Union Boulevard to Victoria Street, Waterloo Street from Breithaupt Street.
• King Street fom Victoria Street to Francis Street, Francis Street from King Street to Duke Street, Duke Street from Francis Street to Frederick Street, Frederick and Benton streets from Duke Street to Charles Street. 
• Charles Street from Victoria Street to Benton Street.
• Charles Street from Benton Street to Ottawa Street.
• Borden Avenue from Charles Street to the south limit of the roadway, including Grenville Avenue.
• Ottawa Street from Charles Street to Mill Street.
• Huron Spur from Palmer Avenue to south of Hayward Avenue, Hayward Avenue from Hanson Avenue to Courtland Avenue, Courtland Avenue from Hayward Avenue to Manitou Drive, north of Fairway Road from Courtland Avenue to Fairview Park Mall, Wilson Avenue from Fairway Road to Kingsway Drive. 

And the overnight construction could include the following work: 

• "The King Street Grade Separation, immediately west of Victoria Street.
• Concrete placement (track, sidewalks, curb & gutter, bridge & wall structures, LRT stops). 
• Aggregate and asphalt placement (all roads rebuilds listed above).
• Material movement (aggregates, track material, equipment). 
• Deficiency repairs of wet utilities (sewer & water).
• Track installation prior to concrete placement.
• Testing of the train and systems."

Grandlinq's application goes to council's Community and Infrastructure Services Committee on March 6, and will be voted on by council at a later date.