The city has announced a number of major construction projects that will distrupt some traffic throughout the city.
Officials with the city of Thunder Bay released some of the major projects that will be happening across the city on Thursday. Many of the projects will include roadwork as well as a few new bike lanes on along Vickers Street, Arundel Street, Hudson Street and Huron Avenue.
Here’s the media release from the city in its entirety.
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Major construction projects and smaller public works enhancements including road and sidewalk rehabilitation, sanitary and storm sewer and water main replacements, bridgework and streetlight renewal are well underway.
City Council approved an Enhanced Infrastructure Rehabilitation Program in 2012, with $2 million going towards pavement rehabilitation. The City’s Capital Budget funds other projects and some receive additional funding through the Federal Gas Tax Program. The City’s total Capital infrastructure spending will be $22 million in 2012.
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.
The following areas are scheduled for road work and other major infrastructure work maintenance, expected to affect traffic from Aug. 2 to Sept. 6, 2012.
Temporary Street Closures Will Be In Effect:
• Sunday, Aug. 5 and Monday, Aug. 6 from 12 noon to 1 am, Algoma Street from Dufferin Street to 130 metres south of Dufferin Street will be closed for Festa Italiana.
• Two Wednesdays, Aug. 8 and 15 from 4:30 pm to 9 pm, Sleeping Giant Parkway from Pearl Street to Saul Laskin Drive, Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive South to Bobby Curtola Drive North, and Bobby Curtola Drive from Saul Laskin Drive to Marina Park Overpass will be closed for Summer in the Parks.
•?Wednesday, Aug. 15 to Monday, Aug. 20 from 8 am to 8 pm daily, Waterfront Drive from the Pearl Street entrance to the Pool 6 dock will be closed for the visit of the Ville de Quebec (Canadian Military Vessel).
• Thursday, Aug. 16 at 9 am to Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 am, a portion of Lincoln Street 80 metres east of Court Street will be closed for the OLG Casino VIP Dinner.
• Thursday, Aug. 23 at 6 am to Sunday, Aug. 26 at 11 pm, Park Avenue from Court Street to Cumberland Street, and Friday, Aug. 24 at 6 am to Sunday, Aug. 26 at 11 pm, Court Street from Red River Road to Park Avenue will be closed for Thunder Bay Ribfest 2012.
• Saturday, Aug. 25 from 7 am to 6:30 pm, Frederica Street from 135 E. Frederica St. to 218 W. Frederica St., including the intersections of Edward Street and Brown Street, will be closed for the Westfort Village Street Fair.
Road Work Ahead:
Sewer and Watermain Work
• St. Paul Street from Red River Road to Van Norman Street will be closed to traffic from Aug. 2 to Sept. 31. The sanitary sewer, watermain and storm sewer will be replaced and the road will be resurfaced. The curb and gutter, and the sidewalks, will be replaced and new decorative boulevards and tree pits will be added.
•?Sewer and watermain replacement is scheduled for Donald Street from Vickers Street to Franklin Street. The road is closed to traffic.
•?Montreal Street from Neebing Avenue to James Street will be closed periodically due to the installation of a new storm sewer and road resurfacing.
•?Market Street is scheduled for storm sewer construction and repaving. Local traffic only and possible road closures as the work proceeds.
•?Sewer and watermain replacement, street lighting and streetscaping is scheduled for Algoma Street between John Street and Bay Street. Work on the block between John Street and Cornwall Street began in mid-June with the block between Cornwall Street and Bay Street will begin in August. Algoma Street at the Memorial Avenue intersection may be closed down periodically as work proceeds.
Bridge Work
• Rural bridge replacement is scheduled for Government Road at the Neebing River and for Pento Road at the McIntyre River. The existing wood bridges will be replaced with multi-plate structures. Please follow posted detour and construction signage.
• The Paquette Road Bridge is also scheduled for replacement.
Road, Street Lighting and Sidewalk Improvements
• Road resurfacing is scheduled for Arundel Street between Toledo Street and Black Bay Road. Watch for flaggers, lane closures and gravel surfaces as the work proceeds.
• Road reconstruction will take place on Harrison Street and Harrison Place. Local access only and interruptions to driveways is expected.
• Road reconstruction is scheduled on Ford Street between Frederica and Amelia. Some lane closures, detours and driveway interruptions are possible as work proceeds.
• Road resurfacing and watermain construction is scheduled for Neebing Avenue. Watch for flaggers and detours around the construction area. Local access only.
• Sidewalk replacement/new sidewalk installation continues on sections of Cameron Street, Finlayson Street, McMurray Street, McBean Street and McIntosh Street.
• Road resurfacing is scheduled for Piccadilly Avenue, William Street, and Strathcona Avenue.
• Road reconstruction on the perimeter streets surrounding the new Consolidated Courthouse in the South core is expected to proceed in 2012. There will be block-to-block closures to traffic and parking as the work proceeds. Businesses are open as usual during construction.
• Miscellaneous paving repairs are scheduled for Memorial Avenue and Central Avenue intersection.
• New and rebuild work on traffic signals at the following intersections: Oliver Road & Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre/Lakehead University Field House, and Vickers & Miles Street. Watch for lane closures as the work proceeds.
Bicycle Lanes
• New bicycle lanes are being painted along Vickers Street, Arundel Street, Hudson Street and Huron Avenue.
The above list includes major, traffic-affecting construction only. Work including sidewalk replacements is also proceeding in residential areas and other areas around the City. The schedule is subject to change. Watch for monthly, updated information on construction work within the City.
