Construction on the long-anticipated Murray Road staircase project is now complete and open for public access.
The new staircase, which was built along the existing alignment, includes reflective strips to ensure the steps are easily visible in low light conditions. A split rail fence and bear-proof garbage can will be added to the staircase in coming weeks.
The staircase collapsed last June, and reconstruction was delayed for nearly a year due to contractual problems.
Originally, $25,000 was budgeted to repair the stairs in 2017, but that was upped to $74,000 after the collapse.
District staff tendered the original contract but not for the required three weeks, which did not sit well with council members earlier this year.
Sooke councillors re-tendered the project in January in the hope bids would come in lower. Following the re-tender only one bid was received from Luxton Construction of Vancouver for $72,300.
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Regardless, the project is now complete and the public is welcome to enjoy the staircase once again.
“The Murray Road staircase provides access to the waterfront, the Rotary Pier and the Boardwalk for all our residents and visitors. These water accesses promote the increased use of our beautiful Sooke Harbour and Basin” said mayor, Maja Tait on the DOS website.
For further information, please contact the District of Sooke at 250-642-1634.