The City of Thunder Bay is investing $19.1 million in 2016 on road and sidewalk rehabilitation, residential paving, sewer and watermain repair/replacement, bridge and culvert work and streetlight renewal.
This month marks the start of a busy road work season in Thunder Bay, and road work can result in road closures, detours and delays for drivers. All residents are reminded to reduce their speed, be alert, watch for workers and drive with extra care in construction zones.
Temporary street closures for events will be in effect:
· Monday, May 23 at the following times and locations for the Firefighters’ 10 Mile Road Race:
8 am to 12 noon, May Street from Arthur Street to Donald Street, Arthur Street from Brodie Street to May Street, and complete street closure from intersection of Simpson/Arthur/May Streets north along Simpson Street to Fort William Road, to Water Street, to Marina Park Overpass, then through Marina Park and returning along same route
7:30 am to 12:30 pm, intersection of May Street and Arthur Street to the intersection of Donald Street and Simpson Street
7:30 am to 12:30 pm, Brodie Street from Arthur Street to Donald Street (closed for bus traffic only)
Road Work Ahead:
The following areas are scheduled for or are currently undergoing road and other major infrastructure work that is expected to affect traffic:
Sewer & Watermain Work
· Cumberland Street between Stephens Street and Gibson Avenue is scheduled for road reconstruction including replacement of the watermain, new storm sewer, street lighting improvements and landscaping work. The project is currently underway and will continue until the end of October 2016. Work on this street will proceed in stages. Stage 1, currently underway, extends from Stephens Street to Clavet Street. Traffic is permitted in one lane only heading southbound on Cumberland Street within the staged limits. Northbound traffic is required to follow posted detour route.
· Storm sewer construction on Brunswick Street between Waterloo Street and Cumming Street is expected to proceed. Watch for road closures with local traffic access only as work proceeds.
· Robertson Street from Pacific Avenue to Simpson Street is slated for road reconstruction including new sewers and watermains. Sections of sidewalks will be replaced as well. The road will be open to local traffic, but closed during some of the deeper excavation work.
· The Boulevard Lake parking lot on Lyon Boulevard West as well as Algoma Street between Gibson Street and MacDougall Street are under construction for the installation of twin large diameter feeder watermains. The work will limit traffic in the area and will be completed by late June.
· Watermain lining work will be completed in the area bound by Victoria Avenue, Franklin Street, Arthur Street and Brunswick Street. Open pits will be excavated and fenced off for safety. Construction crews will occupy the area over a 6 week period. While local traffic will not be impacted, motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.
· Top lift paving and final landscaping will be completed throughout the month of May on Ironwood Street between Edward Street and Sherbrooke Street.
· Improvements to Banning Street between Bay Street and Pearl Street include sewer and watermain replacements, new curb and gutter, and road reconstruction. This project will take 10 to 12 weeks starting in late May. Only local traffic will have access to the area.
· Sewer and water construction will start on Gore Street West from Neebing Avenue to Crawford Avenue the week of May 9. Drivers can expect block to block closures for through traffic with local traffic access only.
· Traffic access will be restricted to allow for improvements to the storm sewer and road on Crawford Place. Only local traffic will have access to the area.
Bridge Work
· Inspections of all the City’s bridges will take place throughout the summer season. Expect occasional lane closures on the various structures throughout the City.
Road, Street Lighting & Sidewalk Improvements
· Road rehabilitation work is underway on Balsam Street starting at Wardrope Avenue and extending 140 metres north of Lancaster Avenue. Watch for lane and road closures as the work proceeds.
· Road resurfacing work on Shipley Street between Margaret Street and Huron Avenue is expected to commence shortly. Watch for road closures as the work proceeds.
· Residential resurfacing work is slated to begin on Elliot Street and Bailey Avenue.
· Asphalt patching work is scheduled to start on sections of Court Street, Hodder Avenue, Shipyard Road, Arthur Street, Memorial Avenue, and Southern Avenue. Watch for road and lane closures as the work proceeds.
· Balmoral Street reconstruction between the Neebing McIntyre Floodway and Hewitson Street will commence May 24. Work will include new pavement, curb and gutter, and storm sewers, and the existing ditches will be filled. New multi-use trails will also be constructed on both sides of the road. During construction traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction.
· Widening and road resurfacing work will commence on Hemlock Place/Avenue. Only local traffic will have access to the area.
· Road rehabilitation work on Vickers Street between Victoria Avenue and Cameron Street is expected to start. Watch for block to block road closures with local traffic access only as the work proceeds.
· Civilwork construction for new traffic signals will occur at the Carrick Street and Central Avenue intersection. Some lane closures during working hours may result. New signal installation will occur later in the season.
· Sidewalk work on sections of Fort William Road, Oliver Road and McIntyre Street may result in possible lane closures.
The above list includes major, traffic-affecting construction. Other work, including sidewalk replacements and curb and gutter repairs, is scheduled for residential areas and other areas around the City. The schedule is subject to change.
