Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - 5 Down - 1 ? To Go

Good Tuesday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today! The late summer heat wave continues. Tasha, my dog, kept wanting out of the air-conditioned store and into the heat of the day. This was particularly curious to me because Tasha, being a Samoyed, is a snow dog. So throughout the course of the day she made several trips outside for her satisfaction and inside for mine.

dawsonroadtoday.blogspot.com

 

It was a hot day for construction as well, but luckily on Dawson Road Today, most of the 'heavy' work was behind them.  The crews are working on installing and hooking up the surface drains to the storm water system.  Because they have the west side of Dawson Road to complete and all of the hookups on the east side of Dawson Road to do, this work will take the next 1 1/2 to 2 weeks.

At the start of construction this morning, that little left leg jog in the northbound lane of Dawson Road near the Speedvale intersection is back in place. No worries - as you get toward Speedvale you will be directed by the pylons to pull left and around and back into the right lane.

Will  Get  New  Life

As mentioned in some much earlier posts, most of the new pipes that have been installed contain recycled material. Well it so happens that much of the old concrete pipe taken out of the ground is reused again. A pile of concrete pieces shown here will be ground down and used in road surfacing material. The resultant material is not intended for domestic vehicles to be driven on; but rather is a sub base material. Part of the construction lane, that you are told not to drive on is made of this material. You can see that there will be bits of wire and other debris in this ground-up subbase that may be very hard on domestic vehicle tires. Not only does this procedure reuse material, which is a good thing, the construction crew like this material better as a subbase than gravel because it compacts better.

Just a quick word about the lane reduction on Speedvale Avenue from four lanes down to two. The construction crew is done their work in the intersection for now; but the city needs to get in there to clean out some old pipes before Speedvale can be reopened to four lanes.

dawsonroadtoday.blogspot.com

 

Five down (April, May, June, July, August) and one? (September) to go. It has been a very long haul so far but a quick tour of Dawson Road will tell you that we've come a long way. The work is very much on schedule and at this point it looks as though it may go a few days into October. (Look at me, I can't even predict tomorrow's weather with any certainty.) With the open ditches being filled in and the road level being brought up, it is already becoming clear how different Dawson Road is going to look than  it did back in April. Bring it on!

It's Tuesday on Dawson Road Today.  Enjoy the warm weather, celebrate the end of August and do your shopping on Dawson Road Today!

Brian

Monday, August 30, 2010 - A Good Day for Working

Good Monday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!
It was another fine weather weekend to draw August to a close. Now welcome back to work. As at the start of construction this week on Dawson Road, the road is wide open as can be seen by these two photos. The first as shown from Speedvale Avenue and facing southbound and the second as shown northward from Shelldale Avenue.  That little jog in the northbound lane at the Speedvale Avenue end has been removed, so when you approach Speedvale Avenue in the northbound lane you will be traveling straight.

 Speedvale Avenue is still reduced to two lanes at the end of Dawson Road. One lane travels eastbound and one lane travels westbound. Follow the pylons and be prepared to slow down as you approach the intersection.

Random Cameos: Tasha from Plants For All at 66 Dawson Road.

What's ahead for this week? I expect the crews will be continuing the work of  installing and hooking up the surface drains on the west side of Dawson Road to the new storm sewer.  


The City signs that were installed at the Speedvale end of Dawson Road to identify the businesses in the construction area have been down for some time because the crews have been working in the intersection. The signs are still down but rest assured that we're all still here, open and ready to help you do business on Dawson Road Today! 


It looks like it should be another fine, warm summer day. I'm in the shop at Plants For All after 12:30 today, being Monday, so I'd love to see you.

Brian

Friday, August 27, 2010 - A Good Time was Had by All

It's Friday!

Good Friday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

As we've reached the end of another week it is easy to look back and see all the work that has been done. Well, you can't really see it because most of it has been buried and covered. The construction crew has been working all week down at the Speedvale Avenue end of Dawson Road installing and connecting the large concrete storm water pipes. This picture shows the round manhole assembly that I showed you yesterday and a large rectangular manhole assembly that was installed and connected to the round assembly on Thursday.

At the start of work today Dawson Road is completely open and all businesses are accessible. So make your way down to Dawson Road today, see what's going on and do a little business.

Random Cameos:

On a regular basis I will try to show pictures, not yet seen on this blog, that will add a face to the job. Let me know what you think. Pictures shown may have been taken any time since the start of the project in mid-April. Left click on the image to enlarge it.

 QB 2 Café and Dining Menu Tasting Buffet event was a Huge Success : we talked about this event for weeks and it was very well attended. This photo shows some of the cars of people attending at just after 7 p.m. last evening. When I drove past the restaurant over the lunch period, the parking lot was packed. Linda and I arrived for supper shortly after seven and all the tables were filled so we nestled up to the counter. It was very exciting and we were happy of course for the owners Lamos and Koky, who were modestly excited. When Lamos was asked why he thought it was such a success, he replied:

1. the food is first - as the chef, he has a genuine passion for the food he prepares
2. the customer must be happy 

Well it's Friday. It's been a good week on Dawson Road and we have a beautiful weather weekend coming up. So get out and enjoy it and if you find your way down to Dawson Road, we will be glad to welcome you.


Brian

Thursday, August 26, 2010 - Menu Tasting Buffet Day is Here !

Good Thursday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

There has been a lot of construction activity down at the intersection of Speedvale and Dawson Road for the past few days and Wednesday was no exception. Yesterday, I showed you a picture of the work that Union Gas was doing on the right hand side of the northbound lane down at that intersection. Yesterday the Bel-Air construction crew squeezed in between that hole and the lawn in front of Meridian Credit Union to install a round manhole assembly unit as part of the storm sewer system. As shown in this picture you can see part of the black taped Union Gas pipe that was in yesterday's picture.  The crew had to work in very tight quarters with large equipment and large concrete pipes to install. Guelph Hydro also had a truck on site to stabilize the utility pole that was just inches away from the hole the Bel-Air construction crew was working in.

Random Cameos:  left click this picture twice to get it up to a good size

Today is the day for the special menu tasting buffet being held at the QB2 Café and Dining at 86 Dawson Road.  Drop in today for what is sure to be an outstanding taste experience and all for just $15. Lunch hours for this special event are 12 through 2 and for the dinner period the hours are  5 p.m.through to 1 a.m. At the top of this post click on the green header Menu Tasting Buffet for more information.

The vacant lot on the east side of Dawson Road beside the entrance to Guelph Medical Place is going to take on a new life. Construction started yesterday on a new medical clinic building.  So this construction has nothing to do with the Dawson Road reconstruction project. However, when complete it will bring more medical services, more customers and more employees down to Dawson Road. To me, it seems like a good use for a vacant lot. Thanks to Charles Groen, on-site Inspector from Pitura Husson, for this updated information.

At the close of construction Wednesday there was a slight change in the traffic lane going north on Dawson Road. As you approach Speedvale Ave. you will be channeled by the pylons to make a slight jog into the next lane that will take you up to the intersection. The right lane at the intersection will be taken up by the Bel-Air crew working on the storm water system as shown in the first picture of this post. No worries - drive slowly as usual - and follow the pylons (and everybody else).

It was a good working day for the construction crews on Wednesday and it looks as though today should be just as fine. Come on down to Dawson Road Today and be part of the experience of rebuilding Guelph. Come hungry and visit the QB2 Café and Dining for their special menu tasting buffet event.

Brian

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - Lots of Good Signs

Good Wednesday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

The big hole at the Speedvale and Dawson intersection is now filled in. For several days now the crew has been working on the complicated connection of the concrete storm sewer pipes between the new Dawson Road installation and the existing Speedvale Avenue feed. The connections are made, the  hole is filled in and a fresh coat of that soft tarry pavement is spread on the roadway. That's a Good Sign.  At the start of today, Speedvale Avenue is still reduced to two lanes, one eastbound and one westbound.

Also at that intersection, on the right hand side of Dawson Road going northbound, Union Gas and Aecon have been doing some work with the natural gas lines. At the start of today their  hole is still open and fenced off. Please drive carefully and be aware of the workers.

The northbound paved traveling lane on Dawson Road is clear and wide-open. That's a Good Sign. So come on to Dawson Road from Willow Road and travel north in the paved lane.

Random Cameos:

On my walkabout of Dawson Road last evening, I was glad to see these Good Signs of business.

Payless Mattress-86 Dawson

Rona Cashway-55 Dawson

Dawson Dental-83 Dawson

 Tomorrow, Thursday, August 26 is the much anticipated Menu Tasting Buffet event at the QB2 Cafe and Dining restaurant at 86 Dawson Road.  At the top of this post, click on the header Menu Tasting Buffet for more information. Looking to add some flavour to your life?  Check it out.  Also congratulations to QB2 Cafe and Dining for the excellent review, recently posted to www.restaurantica.com

We are into the middle of the week already and there is a lot going on.  Come down to Dawson Road Today and be a part of building something new.  Have a great day!

Brian

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - A Little Bonus Traffic

Good Tuesday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

Right off the top I would like to send kudos out to the City of Guelph. In yesterday's post I expressed an opinion about the poor condition of the road at the construction intersection of Stevenson Street and Speedvale Avenue. When I came through that intersection just after noon on my way into my shop, I was very pleased to see that the road grading had been done and the potholes filled. I am glad to see the city was on top of it, thank you.

Most days of the week I am out of my shop tending the live indoor tropical plants at my clients' offices; but Mondays I am in the shop, Plants For All. This gives me an opportunity to monitor the amount and kind of  vehicular traffic flow we're getting on Dawson Road. Yesterday I noticed that we had a nice light but steady traffic flow consisting mostly of cars. I expect that more people are starting to use Dawson Road as a bypass around the construction at the Edinburgh  and Willow Road intersection. Businesses be ready for this Bonus Traffic!  While most of this new traffic realistically may not be looking for your business, the fact remains that we have new potential customers driving right past our front door. 

1. Put your best foot forward
2. have your lights on
3. be sure your open sign is on
4. make sure your business is open to the posted hours
5. have a positive attitude about your business and the other businesses on Dawson Road.

In a post from last week, I mentioned that it was common practice to use two of the large power shovels when lifting and maneuvering the large and very heavy concrete manhole assemblies. This picture, taken last week, shows this being done. It is very slow work and requires intense coordination amongst the two power  shovel operators, the crew in the trench and the crew supervisors.

Yesterday, in spite of my prediction that the crew would not be able get much work done due to the wet conditions, they did. Part of the crew was down at the Dawson Road and Speedvale intersection continuing the connection and hook up of the concrete storm system to join Speedvale into Dawson. Other crew members were busy cleaning up a lot of the debris that had been pulled out of the ground when digging the trench to install the storm system.

Random Cameos:

On a regular basis I will try to show pictures, not yet seen on this blog, that will add a face to the job. Let me know what you think. Pictures shown may have been taken any time since the start of the project in mid-April. Left click on the image to enlarge it.

Remember that the QB2 Café and Dining will be having a special Menu Tasting Buffet event this Thursday, August 26 and you can get a full colour brochure and menu for that event by e-mailing me at plantsforall@ody.ca

 Tuesday, it's a great day to be on Dawson Road. You have a great day and we hope to see you down here.

Brian

Monday, August 23, 2010 - A 50 Year Time Capsule ?

Good Monday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

The latter half of the weekend was pretty damp with Sunday providing a lot of constant rain. This photo shows Dawson Road in front of my shop, Plants For All at 66 Dawson Road late Sunday afternoon.  Late last week the construction crews spread a lot of the filler, that they took out of the storm sewer trench, along the west side of Dawson Road to help raise the road grade. With all the rain Sunday and as this photo shows, that filler is now mud. With rain forecast for most of Monday I doubt if the crews will be able to work today.



On a more positive note, I came down to my store early Saturday afternoon by way of Edinburgh Rd. As you are aware, the intersection of Edinburgh Road and Willow Road is under construction as well. I was pleased to see that the construction crews were actually working on Saturday afternoon at that intersection, with the traffic being directed through the intersection by the police. I was glad to see the crew working at this high traffic intersection on the weekend, so as to avoid the heavy weekday traffic. Incidentally, the construction crew on that project is Bel-Air Construction, the same company that is working on our Dawson Road project. Good work!

Random Cameos : 

On my way to the shop Sunday I also had to drive through the intersection of the construction project at Stevenson Street and Speedvale Avenue and that was a bit of a nightmare because the rain has caused curb-to-curb potholes. Perhaps the city could encourage whatever construction crew is on that project to do some emergency grading to fill those potholes before they get a lot of complaints from citizens with damaged suspension.




Back in the third week of July, I announced that the owners of QB2 Café and Dining in the Plaza at 86 Dawson Road welcomed a new baby girl into their family, who they named Mahelet. Parents Lamos and Koky and sister Btanya, have now decided on a second name for Mahelet, and that name will be Naomi. A lot of thought went into this.  Remember that the QB2 Café and Dining will be having a special Menu Tasting Buffet event this Thursday, August 26 and you can get a full colour brochure and menu for that event by e-mailing me at plantsforall@ody.ca

At the start of this work week, Speedvale Avenue will be reduced to two lanes still, one eastbound and one westbound.  The construction crew is working on the connection of the new storm sewer they installed on Dawson Road to the existing storm sewer at Speedvale Avenue. This photo shows a new manhole assembly that will connect the new storm sewer with the existing storm sewer at Speedvale. The crew will need time to finish customizing this storm sewer connection.

The Dawson Road reconstruction project is nearing the end of the major digging and disruption. A lot of pipes have been ripped out and a lot of new ones installed. Depending on the purpose of the pipes, the sizes have ranged from a few inches in diameter to several feet. The weight has varied from pounds per length to tons per length. By way of this blog we have been able to show you a lot of this work since it started at the end of April. We now have a very good idea of what is under Dawson Road. It has been about 50 years since this infrastructure work was last done. I thought it would be interesting to get a perspective of the underground systems that have been installed. These photos show a part of the storm sewer system which utilized the huge concrete box culverts that I've mentioned and shown several times. When these sections are fit together and the joining edges sealed with cement; when the trenches are filled in and covered over with a brand-new road surface - this network of concrete tunnels will not be seen by the general public for another 50 years or whenever they are changed again.  My thanks to Charles Groen of Pitura Husson for getting these pictures for me and to the crew members for giving us this unique perspective. Left click the image to enlarge it and you're looking for the small light at the distance noted.

If the rain continues, you know that construction traffic on Dawson Road today will be light.  So come on down, I'll be in the store today after 12:30 and I'd love to see you.

Brian

Friday, August 20, 2010 - A Very Productive Week

Good Friday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

Completed Manhole Assembly

It has been a very productive week from a construction standpoint. In yesterday's post I left you with a picture of a partially completed manhole assembly. On Thursday the crew were able to finish that manhole assembly and extend round concrete sewer pipes to Speedvale Avenue. The first picture shows the completed manhole assembly. The second picture shows the round concrete sewer pipe that was connected to the manhole assembly and now extends right to Speedvale Avenue. At the start of today the crews will be down at the Speedvale/Dawson 

Manhole Assembly is Behind Bulldozer

  

intersection. As a result of the concentration of heavy equipment and actually breaking into Speedvale Avenue, Speedvale has been reduced to two lanes, one going east and one going west. This will not affect traffic on Dawson Road which should still be traveling northbound only in the transportation lane. Dawson Road and all the businesses are open and accessible.

 

Random Cameo: Bo, owner and operator of Hardsoft Computer in the Plaza at 86 Dawson Road.Call Bo at 519-763-0188.

In yesterday's post I told you about the work of G-Tel Line Locators in determining where the natural gas, electric, and telephone wires are located underground before the construction crew can dig. This picture shows the crew doing their job.

If you would like a descriptive flyer for the Menu Tasting Buffet coming up August 26th at the QB2 Cafe and Dining at 86 Dawson Road, e-mail me at  plantsforall@ody.ca  and I will e-mail you a full colour copy.

It's Friday again and for many it means the weekend off. If that happens to include you, try to take the time on Saturday or Sunday to come down to Dawson Road and visit one of the many businesses that are open to serve you. Click on a Web Page Link in the right sidebar to learn more about these businesses.

Coming up on Monday's Post I have a series of photos of a place that may not be seen again for another 50 years. Have a great weekend and I'll talk to you Monday.

Brian

Thursday, August 19, 2010 - A Lot of Things are Going Well

Good Thursday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

Wednesday was another good weather day for construction on Dawson Road. The crew finished up the day very close to Speedvale Avenue as shown in the attached picture. I have identified Speedvale Avenue in yellow lettering. I estimate they have about 40 feet to go. They are working on installing another one of those very large manhole assemblies. Remember to left click on the image to enlarge it.

I have noticed that our modest blog has been picked up by thoora.com. 

"Thoora is a new and unique service that helps people discover the news attracting the most attention within social and traditional media." If you would like to check it out then Google dawsonroadtoday and click on thoora on the first page of the results or go directly to their site at http//thoora.com  

I recently mentioned that two additional large power shovels were brought on site. The crew were using two together on this manhole assembly shown above.  You may remember from a previous post that these large manhole assemblies with a separate top and a separate bottom are extremely heavy.

If you would like a descriptive flyer for the Menu Tasting Buffet coming up August 26th at the QB2 Cafe and Dining at 86 Dawson Road, e-mail me at  plantsforall@ody.ca  and I will e-mail you a full colour copy.

Also on site Wednesday was a crew from G-Tel Engineering. Their job was to identify where the hidden utility lines are under the ground. They use equipment including a transmitter and receiver to identify where the lines are and then paint the ground so the construction crews know where the lines are. Orange paint indicates that it's a telephone line, as shown in this picture, yellow paint indicates a natural gas line and red paint indicates electric lines. This crew is contracted by On1Call who in turn is contracted by the utility companies. If you need their services for your own location you can get a hold of  On1Call  at 1-800-400-2255 or www.on1call.com  My thanks to Linda at Plants For All for getting this information.


On a personal note, this blog is and always has been intended as a public service and to support the Dawson Road businesses during this construction. This blog will stop when the construction is finished. Sometime in September, I will be launching a new blog specifically geared towards our business, Plants For All. If you would like to be advised how it is developing, please e-mail me at plantsforall@ody.ca to be added to our list.

That seems like a lot for today. Your comments are welcomed and appreciated by me.  Your patronage is appreciated by the businesses of Dawson Road.

Brian 

Wednesady, August 18, 2010 - Is the End in Sight?

Good Wednesday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

Today's random cameo: 

There's been an interest shown in seeing more of the personalities that are involved in this major reconstruction project. So on a regular basis I will try to show pictures, not yet seen on this blog, that will add a face to the job. Let me know what you think. Pictures shown may have been taken any time since the start of the project in mid-April. 

On Tuesday the construction crews worked on continuing the installation of the storm sewers. At the end of the workday they stopped in front of Coffee Time in the Plaza at Speedvale and Dawson. With three days left in this week, it is fully expected that they will complete the installation of the storm sewers this week. I was speaking with some other business owners Tuesday afternoon and some are speculating a quick return to two-way traffic. I have not received any official word about this and rather doubt it. If anyone at Pitura Hussin or the city of Guelph has an opinion on this, please advise.

People on our street are now seeing the end in sight to the construction project. What is left to be done? After the completion of the installation of the storm sewers, Bel-Air Construction will make new curbs on either side of Dawson Road. Then they will contract out to someone else to actually pave the roads. Then they will contract out to someone else to do the finished landscaping. The target date for completion is still September 30 and people on our street realize that that is not too far away.

If you would like a descriptive flyer for the Menu Tasting Buffet coming up August 26th at the QB2 Cafe and Dining at 86 Dawson Road, e-mail me at  plantsforall@ody.ca  and I will e-mail you a full colour copy.

The weather today looks good for both construction and for shopping. The stores and businesses on Dawson Road are open and ready to greet you. So come on down to Dawson Road Today!

Brian

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - A Good, Good Day

Good Tuesday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

All of the construction activity on Monday was down in front of the Plaza at 86 Dawson Road. The crew had a good weather day for working and took full advantage of it. They ended up the day well north of the parking lot exit for the Plaza that is closest to Speedvale Avenue with a manhole culvert installation, shown here. They will start today in the no-man's land between the 86 Dawson Road Plaza and Balkan Auto Sales at 96 Dawson Road.

Late in the day Monday, after the crews had stopped work for the day, two large power shovels were brought onto the site and parked in a side lot. When I find out what they will be using them for, I'll let you know.

Note to Dawson Road Businesses. There are a few ways to access this blog - 1) by entering the blog address dawsonroadtoday.blogspot.com  2) by googling dawsonroadtoday or dawson road today or 3) by becoming a Follower and having each new post sent to you.  In the right sidebar, I have linked to several Dawson Road Businesses that wanted to be included in this project. You should be linking to this blog on your web site or reference this blog in your own blog. If you do, your business may get more online exposure. Example: Crossfit Guelph comes up on the first page of Google's search engine when anyone accesses this blog by method 2 above. Every free exposure of a positive nature is just good business.

Today's Random Cameo is: 

If you would like more information about the upcoming Menu Tasting Buffet at the QB2 Cafe and Dining on August 26, email me at plantsforall@ody.ca  and I'll email the info back to you.

Today looks like it is going to be another good day.  A good day for construction and a good day for you to come do business on Dawson Road Today!

Brian

Monday, August 16, 2010 - A Few Changes

Good Monday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

It's the beginning of the new week and things are looking good on Dawson Road. The construction crews have the installation of the storm sewer pipes well in hand, the road is open, businesses are accessible and the weather for the upcoming week looks pretty good. The northbound traveling lane is completely open as shown in this photo for the start of the week. This photo was taken at the start of the construction zone at Shelldale and faces north towards Speedvale Avenue. The transportation lane is completely open so come on down to Dawson Road Today!

I have been requested to post all of the comments received in one central place. While you can go back to each post and look for the comments at the bottom of the post, it was thought that having all the comments together would be more interesting. Therefore, I've added a list of the comments to the right of the post in the sidebar titled Recent Comments. Left-clicking on the underlined title of each comment will take you back to the original post to which the comment applies. When done reading the comment just click the back arrow in your browser to return to today's post.  Please let me know if you like this addition and remember that I invite your comments at any time.

I have mentioned a couple of times about the upcoming Tasting Buffet Event to be held at the QB2 Café and Dining on Thursday, August 26. Lamos has provided me with a full-color brochure announcing this event and itemizing the items that will be available. It is officially being called the Menu Tasting Buffet and looks as though you will be getting an awful lot for the price. Until I can figure out how to post this flyer on this blog, I would be pleased to e-mail you a PDF copy at your request. Just e-mail me, Brian, at   plantsforall@ody.ca and ask for QB2  flyer TBE01. Of course, you can always drop into the restaurant at 86 Dawson Road for more details.  While you are there, pop in next door and buy a computer from my friend Bo, Hardsoft Computer.  You never know.

Starting today I'm incorporating a new feature into the blog , that I'll be referring to as Random Cameos. There's been an interest shown in seeing more of the personalities that are involved in this major reconstruction project. So on a regular basis I will try to show pictures, not yet seen on this blog, that will add a face to the job. Let me know what you think. Pictures shown may have been taken any time since the start of the project in mid-April.  Here we go with the first Random Cameo (RC001).  Remember, you can enlarge the picture simply by left-clicking on the picture.  When done viewing the picture return to the post by clicking the back arrow in your browser. Have fun! 

It's a start of a new week, things on the job are in good shape and there's a week of promise ahead. Today being Monday, I am in the shop at Plants For All at 66 Dawson Road all day after 12:30. If you get the chance, drop in to say hello.

Brian

Friday, August 13, 2010 - Friday the 13th.

Good Friday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

Yes, today is Friday the 13th and the only Friday the 13th of 2010. So, there may be no construction work on today if all the crew is on their way to Port Dover.

Yesterday the crew spent most of the day in front of Orbis Property Management installing more box culverts and another large manhole assembly as shown here. This is all part of a continuation of the storm sewer installation. They stopped work Thursday just at the edge of the property line between Orbis Property Management and the Plaza at 86 Dawson Road.

I was pleased to receive another comment related to Thursday's post. If you would like to read the comment just go back to Thursday's post and check the comment section at the end of the post. I have recently received several pictures of the construction project that show more of the construction workers. I will review these pictures and try to show as many of the different construction workers as I can at random inserts right up till the end of the project scheduled to be September 30. Check back to make sure your man is really working. (Just kidding, fellas.)

Along similar lines, if any businesses would like special mention of their business just let me know what is  going on and I'd be happy to include it. 

The crews also did some work on the open culverts that will be used on several of the properties on the west side of Dawson Road. Because of the grading of the ground in these areas the drainage pipes could not be buried completely. Any water will drain into the rectangular grid which is connected underground to the storm sewer system installed along the centre of Dawson Road. 

It's good to see the slide show up and running again. It looks like Google got it working.

Driving on Dawson Road is pretty open because the crews are generally working along the center of the road only. Travel northbound from Willow Road in the transportation lane only and go slow watching for pedestrians, crewmen and your cut off.

Rona Cashway at 55 Dawson Road is having another promotion this weekend.  You will be able to spin their lucky saw blade and get a discount off of your purchase. So check it out, it sounds like it could be fun.

The weekend is here, so have a good one and I'll talk to you Monday.

Brian

Thursday, August 12, 2010 - You Can Always Learn Something New

Good Thursday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

Wednesday was a full production day as far as new construction went. The installation of the storm sewers continued with the crews starting the day in front of Roy-Al Rentals and finishing up Wednesday in front of Orbis Property Management. As of last night there were only three box culverts on-site to be installed.  At the pace the crews are working, the suppliers will have to drop off more culverts soon.

dawsonroadtoday.blogspot.com

I learned something new from Linda yesterday about the blog. You can enlarge any image that I put in the post simply by left clicking on the image with your mouse. When done viewing the picture you can return to the post by clicking the back arrow on your browser. Go ahead and give it a try.

I received a Guelph transit update Wednesday regarding route number 22:

Guelph Transit route 7 St. Joseph’s Hospital and 22 Conestoga will be returning to Suffolk Street on August 11. 

22 Conestoga Service Details:

Route 22 will travel along the regular route along Suffolk Street to Edinburgh Road North, where it will continue on regular route.  Please note, due to the continuing construction on Edinburgh Road North, between London Road West and Willow Road, two bus stops will be out of service. At this time, the route will continue to travel on Edinburgh Road during the construction.

The bus stop for route 22 at Edinburgh Rd. N. at Willow Rd. (ID 2208) will be out of service.  Please use the stops located at Edinburgh Road North at Mercer Street or Willow Road at Bagot Street as alternatives.

Route 7 Service Details

Route 7 will travel along the regular route along Suffolk Street, Yorkshire Street, and London Road West. 

Due to the continuing construction on Westmount Road, route 7 will travel along Edinburgh Road from the Square, and on Kathleen Street to the Square.  

From St. George’s Square, route 7 will travel along Paisley Street, turn right on Yorkshire Street North, left on London Road West., right on Edinburgh Road North, and left on Speedvale Avenue West where it will return to regular route.

On the return trip to the Square, route 7 will continue on Kathleen Street, turning left on London Road,  right on Woolwich Street, and right on Wyndham Street.  

Temporary stops are located at:

• London Rd. W. at Campion Av.
• Edinburgh Rd. N. at Willow Rd. (north of Willow Road)
• Edinburgh Rd N at St. Joseph’s Health Centre
• Kathleen St. and Speedvale Ave. W.
• 288 Kathleen St.
• 198 Kathleen St.
• 72 Kathleen St.

To assist you with your route planning from St. Joseph’s Health Centre, please plan to arrive at the temporary stops along Kathleen Street on the hour and half hour, from start of service until the end of the day.

Bus stops out of service:

From St. George’s Square

• Westmount Rd. at London Rd. W.
• Westmount Rd. at Campion Ave.
• Westmount Rd. at Summit Cr.
• Westmount Rd. at Division St.
• St. Joseph’s Health Centre
• Westmount Rd. at Highview Pl.
• Speedvale Ave. W. at Brentwood Dr.

To St. George’s Square

• Westmount Rd. at Kimberley Cr.
• Westmount Rd. at Highview Pl.
• Westmount Rd. at Division St.
• Westmount Rd. at Summit Cr.
• Westmount Rd. at Campion Ave.
• Westmount Rd. at London Rd. W.

 Coming Event Announcement: on Thursday, August 26, 2 weeks from today, the QB2 Café and Dining will be holding their first Tasting Buffet Event.  You will be able to try many of the menu items for one low all-inclusive price. What an excellent way to discover a new food taste. For more information call the restaurant at 519-546-8811 or 519-803-6008 or better yet, drop in to see them at 86 Dawson Road.

The slide show in the post is currently not working.  This is an issue that Google/Blogger is working on a fix.

dawsonroadtoday.blogspot.com

With the construction crew concentrated down  the centre of Dawson Road,  the northbound transportation lane is opened for clear sailing. I've noticed that with this newfound openness, motorists are driving faster.  Please drive slowly and be aware of the construction crews and pedestrians.  All the businesses on Dawson Road are open and accessible and would love to see you on Dawson Road Today!

Brian

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - What a Difference a Day Makes

Good Wednesday morning and welcome back to Dawson Road Today!

Tuesday was a productive day on Dawson Road. The weather held good all day even if it was hot in the afternoon. The crew were able to finish the installation of the storm sewer in front of Plants For All. They moved on to finish the installation of the storm sewer in front of Hanlie Carton. They finished up their day right in front of Roy-Al Rentals, where they will start work today.

What a difference a day makes. I showed you yesterday (and above) what Dawson Road in front of my driveway looked like at the end of Monday. At the end of yesterday, the terrain is completely different - take a look.

 To the other businesses between us and Speedvale Avenue, just a note - when the crews get in front of your building to do the storm sewer installation it may be disruptive but it will only be for a short time. They are doing this major work very quickly.

I was pleased to get a comment to yesterday's post and I allowed it to be listed exactly as posted. I wish I had of thought of doing that. You can read the comment by going back to yesterday's post and click on the comment highlight at the bottom of the post. Your comments are very much appreciated.

Guelph Transit issued an advisory of the change to route number 22. Even though the area affected by the advisory is not on Dawson Road if you travel on Route 22 it will affect you.

Guelph Transit Route 22 Detour: August 12, 5:45 p.m. – August 13, 8:15 a.m.

Due to construction taking place on Speedvale Avenue West, between the Hanlon Expressway and Imperial Road, route 22 will be detoured from regular route effective August 12 at 5:45 p.m. Regular service will resume on August 13 at 8:15 a.m.

The bus will detour from regular route on Speedvale Avenue West at Lewis Road, turning right on Lewis Road, left on Massey Road, and right on Royal Road where it will return to regular service.

A temporary stop will be located on Lewis Road at Massey Road.

The following stops will be out of service:

• Speedvale Ave. W. at Lewis Rd. 
• Speedvale Ave. W. at Marksam Rd.

These changes will be effective Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Oh yeah, this Friday is Friday the 13th and it is the only Friday the 13th we will have in 2010.

I have noticed myself and from discussions with the construction crew that more people are trying to travel southbound either in the transportation lane or in the construction lane. I took this picture, late yesterday afternoon, of a lady in a small black car who tried three times to go southbound on the northbound transportation lane. Each time she was met with traffic coming northbound. She finally got the message, turned around and went northbound in the right direction. For your own safety and the safety of the construction crew, pedestrians and other vehicular traffic, drive northbound only from Willow Road to Speedvale Avenue and on the transportation lane only. We are less than two months away from project completion.

That's it for now, lets make it a good day.

Brian

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - It's All About Me

It's Tuesday here on Dawson Road Today and welcome to you!

Monday started with such hope and promise and drizzled out by the end of the day. The construction crew was working at a very fast-pace on the installation of the box culverts for the storm sewer. When I arrived at my shop my driveway was completely cut off and remained that way to near the end of the day. This is the first full day since the start of construction that I have not had access to my parking lot. One reason that the installation of the box culverts is going faster than anticipated is because they are able to install each box culvert using just one power shovel, the Volvo that is shown. Apparently, this type of work is often accomplished using two power shovels working together. This procedure would be slower and take up more road space thus congesting traffic. The single Volvo machine is near its capacity with these massive concrete pipes; but they are set just below the surface of the roadway. That factor coupled with the skill of the operator results in the installation going much faster. 

The crew fully expected to get well past my driveway before the end of the workday. However, Mother Nature had other plans as it started to rain just after 3. They could not install any additional culverts; so they filled in much of the work they had completed and made an access way to get into my driveway from Dawson Road.

So, when you come down to Plants For All today, try out my new and temporary access way as shown by the yellow arrows in the photo above. When traveling northbound on the traffic lane, when you get in front of Mike the Mover, turn off left toward Plants For All.

Well I'm sorry if today sounded like it was all about me but I was physically isolated from most of the real world and had very few visitors Monday. In spite of the damp weather, the crews are doing a great job and I expect that to continue as they move on down toward Speedvale Avenue with the storm sewer installation.

So come on down, today all of the businesses on Dawson Road are really open and really accessible.

Brian