The long-delayed plans to extend a south Kitchener road have seen another increase in cost.
The most recent estimate for the River Road extension checks in at $72 million – up from $62 million in 2011 and $21 million in 2007.
Plans to extend the road through the Hidden Valley neighbourhood and natural area have repeated run up against concerned residents and environmental activists.
Endangered Jefferson salamanders were discovered in the area during the design phase of the project, prompting a two-year delay as Region of Waterloo planners rerouted the road to avoid the salamanders’ habitat.
The project is once again moving ahead, with a public consultation centre set for Tuesday night at Conestoga Place on Manitou Drive.
River Road currently runs between Victoria Street and King Street East.
The 2.4-kilometre extension would see the road swing westward through Hidden Valley, connecting with Highway 8 and eventually meeting up with Bleams Road at Manitou.
Regional chair Ken Seiling says it’s a necessary expansion to alleviate traffic concerns in the area.
“This is really a critical project for that whole southwest quadrant of Kitchener,” he tells CTV News.
“The question is ‘Can we continue to afford letting Fairway Road continue as it is?’ – which is a major parking lot at most times.”
Tim Bignell, who walks through Hidden Valley every day, says he’s worried about the effect the road will have on the bald eagles, coyotes, hawks, deer and other creatures he’s seen in the area.
“Hidden Valley is a hidden treasure for Kitchener,” he says.
“It would be a real shame for them to put a road through it.”
