Drivers should expect some detours as the first phase of the massive Golf Links Road Junot Avenue improvement project is expected to start this week.
Council voted to move ahead with the multi-million dollar project earlier this month. Taranis Contracting Group came in with the lowest bid at about $6.8 million, although the amount is considered an estimate and final payment will be based on the finished work.
The first phase will be funded through the Renew Thunder Bay reserve fund.
A sign was already placed on the busy stretch of road near Oliver Road to warn motorists that starting May 1 construct would begin.
Pat Mauro, manager of engineering for the city, said the first phase will start with widening Golf Links Road between the Harbour Expressway and Oliver Road. Other items in the first phase include place new traffic lights on Central Avenue, sidewalks along the east side of the corridor and active transportation trail on the west side.
“This is phase one of three phases between Oliver Road and the Harbour Expressway,” he said.
“We anticipate some periodic closures at various times during the project. We will be providing local access to businesses and residents along the street but there certainly will be detours for this project. Probably the biggest impact will be at the Harbour Expressway.”
Mauro suspected Balmoral Street and Thunder Bay Expressway will take a majority of Golf Link Road’s traffic volume.
The first phase of the project is expected to wrap up by Oct. 31.
