THUNDER BAY — Motorists can expect to encounter occasional slowdowns due to work on the intersections along Highways 11/17 and 61 in Thunder Bay during construction seasons over the next few years.
In an operation known as shaving and paving, the old asphalt will be removed and replaced at all eight intersections along the Thunder Bay Expressway between now and 2027.
The work is expected to be done mainly in the evening and overnight hours.
Under a contract issued by the Ministry of Transportation, there will also be some drainage and electrical infrastructure improvements.
In a public notice, MTO advised that traffic may be reduced to a single lane using traffic control barrels, but "work requiring lane closures within the project limits will typically be between the hours of 19:00 and 07:00."
The speed limit will also be reduced from 90 km/h to 70 km/h through the construction zone whenever workers are present.
Preparations are already underway at the Balsam Street intersection, where the ramp leading off the expressway will be closed nightly from Aug. 23 to Sept. 30.
The Broadway Avenue intersection is also being repaved, while the work will shift next year to the Red River Road, Oliver Road and Arthur Street intersections.
The John Street Road, Harbour Expressway and airport intersections are scheduled for 2027.
Pioneer Construction is the general contractor for the project.
The MTO has a long-range plan for replacing traffic lights on the Thunder Bay Expressway with interchanges, but no timetable has been developed.
