October 13, 2016 - The City of Thunder Bay is investing $19.1 million in 2016 on road improvements and related infrastructure, and projects around the city will continue through October and November as the busy construction season wraps up.

By the end of this year, 16 km of roads will be resurfaced or reconstructed. Pavements, street-lighting, traffic signals and underground infrastructure are being upgraded. This will include 6 km of watermain replacement or in-place rehabilitation, 2.5 km of sanitary sewer replacement or in-place rehabilitation and 4.3 km of new storm sewers. As part of the Pollution Prevention Control Program, 0.5 km of combined sewers will be separated this year.

Green bike lanes have been installed on Vickers Street, new cross ride markings on Arundel Street and Hudson Avenue, new bike lanes on Gore Street, and changes to stop signs on Windsor Street from Algonquin Avenue to Rockwood Avenue.

Temporary street closures for events will be in effect:

  • 25th Annual Rotary Christmas Parade - Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9:45 am - 1 pm, Gorham Street from Superstore to 13th Avenue, 11th Avenue from Gorham Street to Memorial Avenue, 12th Avenue from Gorham Street to Memorial Avenue, 13th Avenue from Gorham Street to Memorial Avenue, Memorial Avenue from 13th Avenue to High Street, High Street from Memorial Avenue to Beverly Street, Beverly Street from High Street to Newton Street

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 undergoing 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 4 is expected to be completed shortly, with work extending from MacDougall Street to Gibson Street. Traffic is permitted in one lane only heading southbound on Cumberland Street for this stage. Northbound traffic is required to follow the posted detour route. Work will then proceed on Stage 5, which extends the entire project limits from Stephen Street to Gibson Street. During Stage 5 work, two-way traffic will be reinstated, while final asphalt surfacing and landscaping work is completed.
  • Storm sewer work and asphalt reconstruction is underway on Roland Street, starting at the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway and extending to Hewitson Street. Watch for road closures with local traffic access only as the work proceeds. All businesses within the limits of the work remain open during the construction. 
  • Watermain and sanitary sewer will be replaced on Hebert Street from High Street to Red River Road. Sections of the curb and gutter will be replaced, and the road will be resurfaced. Only local traffic will have access to the area during the construction, which is expected to be completed by early November.
  • Mary Street between James Street and Brown Street is scheduled for pavement resurfacing, curb and sidewalk repairs. During this work, the section between Heath Street and Brown Street will undergo underground sewer & water construction. The road will be closed to through traffic, and only local access will be allowed in the construction area. 
  • Storm sewer construction continues on Churchill Drive East. This will impact traffic flow at the intersection of Churchill Drive East and Edward Street. Drivers are asked to watch for lane closures and posted detours.
  • Following the above work at Edward Street and Churchill Drive, the intersection of Edward Street and Redwood Avenue is expected to undergo storm sewer construction. Drivers are asked to watch for lane closures and posted detours.
  • Sewer and road resurfacing work on Simpson Street is underway between Pacific Avenue and Rowand Street. The street will be closed with local access only as the work proceeds. A detour along McKenzie and Robertson Streets has been posted to route motorists around the area of construction. All businesses within the limits of the street closure remain open during construction.

Bridge Work

  • Inspections of all the City's bridges will take place throughout the season.  Expect occasional lane closures on the various structures throughout the City.

Road, Street Lighting & Sidewalk Improvements

  • Balmoral Street reconstruction between the Neebing McIntyre Floodway and Hewitson Street continues. Work includes new pavement, curb and gutter, and storm sewers. 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. Detours will be posted to route motorists around the area of construction.
  • Construction is expected to commence on the pedestrian crossover at the intersection of Algoma Street and Cornwall Avenue. Through traffic on Algoma Street is not expected to be affected. Motorists are asked to watch for closures of access to Cornwall Avenue from Algoma Street, and pedestrians for closures of sidewalks in the area.
  • Improvements to Wiltshire Crescent and Westminster Boulevard include watermain replacements, new curb and gutter, storm sewer work, and road reconstruction. This project will take 10 to 12 weeks starting in early August. Only local traffic will have access to the area. 
  • Replacement of culverts on City Road, approximately 360 metres south of the former Abitibi Entrance have begun. There is no detour, but traffic has been reduced to a single lane. Please follow posted signage. 
  • A short section of the City of Thunder Bay Community Services (Pool 6) access road and a small section of the boaters' parking area to the south of Pearl Street at the Waterfront will be undergoing road realignment and parking lot construction work. The work will include underground utilities, lighting, curbs, asphalt and streetscape. Work began on July 20 and will continue for approximately four months. Access to all facilities south of Pearl Street including the boaters' lot will be maintained throughout the construction period with only brief interruptions planned.   

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.

Road work can result in road closures, detours and delays for drivers. Drivers should reduce their speed, be alert, watch for workers and drive with extra care in construction zones.

For the full list of temporary street closures and construction projects, visit thunderbay.ca/roadwork

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Contact:       Rick Harms, Project Engineer - Engineering, 625-3071
                     Brian Newman, Project Engineer - Engineering, 625-2521
                     Mike Vogrig, Project Engineer - Engineering, 625-4321
                     Matt Miedema, Project Engineer - Engineering, 625-3050