The City of Thunder Bay is investing $42 million in 2024 to fund important infrastructure work including road rehabilitation, sidewalk replacement, sewer and watermain repairs and replacements, and bridge and culvert renewal.

A number of projects have already begun, and many more will be undertaken throughout the summer construction season.

While this work is essential to maintain our city’s infrastructure, it can result in road closures, detours, and delays for travelers. The City hopes to minimize disruption by sharing its plans in advance. This release outlines projects that may impact traffic in the month of June. Monthly updates will follow throughout the construction season.

For more information and to view a map of 2024 construction projects, visit the City's Construction Projects page.

All residents are reminded to reduce their speed, be alert, watch for workers and drive with extra care in construction zones.

Road Work Ahead: June

The following areas are scheduled for major infrastructure work expected to affect traffic in June. Please note that scheduled dates are subject to change.

 ROAD REHABILITATION

  • Wasco Drive

Started May 27, lasting approx. 10 weeks

Street will be closed for asphalt rehabilitation, with access for local traffic only.

  • Arthur Street

Scheduled to start mid-June, lasting approx. 3-4 weeks

Traffic lanes will be reduced on Arthur Street between Mountdale Avenue and James Street to allow for asphalt resurfacing and minor repairs to curb, gutter, and catch basins. There will be lane closures in place for the initial work. The intersections at Arthur & James Street and Arthur & Mountdale Avenue will be closed to north-south traffic during asphalt removal and paving.

  • Balmoral Street

Expected to start in late June

Balmoral Street between Cameron Street and the Neebing/McIntyre Floodway will experience lane closures as work proceeds. Work will start in the boulevard for a new multi-use trail on the east side of Balmoral. During this time lane closures will be in place.  Travel lanes will be further reduced later in the summer as asphalt rehabilitation and intersection improvements proceed.

  • Memorial Avenue & Harbour Expressway intersection improvements

Currently underway, substantial completion expected by end of June

Improvements include re-building existing traffic signals and repaving the intersection. Partial lane closures will be in place for several weeks, with some partial intersection closures overnight (expected 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on June 25 and 26).

  • Mountdale Boat Launch parking lot

June 3 to Sept 30

Boat launch and park area closed until completion of renewal project. Public encouraged to use Mission Island Boat Launch at 107th Ave on Mission Island for alternative access.

  • Arthur Street West hot-in-place asphalt paving

Expected to start late June, last 1-2 weeks

Hot-in-place asphalt recycling on Arthur Street West between #2176 and the Overpass. Lane closures will be in place.

  • John Street Road hot-in-place asphalt paving

Expected to start late June, last 1-2 weeks

Hot-in-place asphalt recycling on John Street Road between #1820 and Community Hall Road. Lane closures will be in place.

SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION

  • Frederica Street

May 27 to June 11

New sidewalk on the North side of Frederica Street West, from Home Ave to James St South. Road will be open for local traffic.

  • Leland Avenue

June 12 to 18

New sidewalk on the West side of Leland Ave South, from Victoria Ave West to Donald St West. Road will be open for local traffic.

  • Arthur Street

June 5 to 7

Replacement of sidewalk on the South side of Arthur St., between James St South and Mountdale Ave. Sidewalk will be closed to pedestrian access. Work will be staged for constant business access. Signage and traffic control will be provided for driveway closures. One driveway will always remain open to ensure uninterrupted access to businesses.

  • Redwood Avenue

June 19 to 28

Replacement of sidewalk on the North side of Redwood Ave West, from University Dr to Sherbrooke St. Sidewalk will be closed to pedestrian access. Streetlights will be out of service temporarily for replacement.

SEWER & WATERMAIN

  • North core streetscape renewal

Currently underway, completion expected in November

Replacement of underground infrastructure and transformation of the streetscape. Red River Road will be fully closed in stages as work proceeds from Cumberland St toward Court St. Pedestrian access to businesses will remain available. Cooke St directional change – now one-way with traffic flowing West to East. Updates available at thunderbay.ca/northcoreproject

  • College Street

June to November

College Street will experience road closures between Hebert St. and Van Norman St. for rehabilitation of watermains and sanitary sewers as well as road resurfacing. Exact schedule of work is to be determined.

  • Balmoral Street

Currently underway, substantial completion expected by end of June

Street will be closed between Victoria Ave. and Miles St., with access for local traffic only.

  • Current Avenue and Current Bay

Starting late June, substantial completion expected by end of September

Street will be closed, with access for local traffic only.

  • Simpson Street & Dease Street

Throughout 2024 construction season

Work to replace sewer, water, and stormwater infrastructure and resurface roadway. Work will impact Simpson Street from Rowand St. to Dease St., as well as Dease Street from Simpson St. to May St. Roadway will be closed in successive blocks as work progresses west. Please obey signage indicating alternate routes.

  • Poplar Avenue

June to November

Poplar Avenue will experience road closures between Windsor St. and Maple Ave. for rehabilitation of watermains and sanitary sewers as well as road resurfacing. Exact schedule of work is to be determined.

BRIDGE, CULVERT & STORMWATER

  • McKellar Bridge

Expected to begin June 10

Traffic will be limited to one lane in the area of the bridge.

  • Burwood Road

Expected to start in June, details TBD

Road will be closed at Central Ave, with access available from the North via Oliver Rd.

  • Pedestrian Bridges

Various dates

Pedestrian bridges at Brent Street, Blanchard Street, and County Park will be replaced over the 2024 construction season. Site work may begin in June. Detours will be posted, and further details will be added at thunderbay.ca/constructionprojects as available.

One new bridge will be constructed over the McIntyre River in George Burke Park, in the area behind Bishop EQ Jennings school. Site work is expected to begin the week of June 10. The adjacent multi-use trail will be blocked at times as crews construct the bridge.