There will be construction on Main Street in Steinbach this summer. The city will resume a project started two years ago to fix the brick and concrete crossing bands at various intersections. Three intersections were fixed in 2015 but phase two in 2016 was postponed because tenders came in over budget. Councillor Michael Zwaagstra says the tenders came in too high again this year so they have decided to only do part of phase two.

"The total tender amount for all of the Main Street repairs came in above budget and so we needed to reduce the total amount of repairs we're doing because there's only so much money that we have and only a certain amount that the province is willing to cost-share with us. So we're still doing a significant amount of repairs, particularly the intersections at Friesen and Kroeker along Main Street, the crossing bands will be replaced and upgraded. We're looking forward to those repairs being done."

Maple Leaf Construction had the low bid of $311,000 and has been awarded the contract. Since Main Street is part of Highway #52, the cost is shared with the province on a 50/50 basis. Zwaagstra says the city hopes to do the remainder of the work next year including the crossing bands at Elm Avenue, William Avenue and the crosswalk west of Elm Street.

Mayor Chris Goertzen says it's important that the city does this work since it is over two decades since the street was rebuilt.

"It's been 22 years since this was constructed so repairs do need to be done and when safety factors come into play, it's important for us to do this well and to do it right. As well, it will improve the aesthetics of these areas. And it is a partnership between two levels of government. It's always good to share those costs."