THUNDER BAY — Many boxes have been checked thus far for the north core streetscape project, with the Red River Road and Court Street intersection expected to be reopened in the next few weeks.
For the most part, construction is on time, said city project manager Brian Newman, noting there was a gas line that delayed workers for a short time.
"There's a gas line that was a little shallower than we expected. It... slowed things down for a few days making a decision on what to do."
With ductwork for the street lights and pole bases now installed, the project manager said there could be more upgrades to other infrastructure down the road.
He noted there would be temporary pavement in the intersection instead of the decorative brickwork due to ongoing construction for the following phase, which will start at Cumberland Street next year. The paver stones will be installed for the final look of the project.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic can expect the Red River Road and Court Street intersection to be open to through traffic in the next two to three weeks.
The project, which features a broader redesign of the area, includes the replacement of infrastructure that was approaching the end of its lifespan.
The estimated cost for the entire project is $13 million. It's expected 40 per cent of that will have been spent by the end of October, according to Newman.
The north core streetscape project is expected to be completed by the end of the 2024 construction season, with some final planting and art installations in 2025.
