THUNDER BAY – There are many who say there are two seasons in Thunder Bay, winter and construction season. The City of Thunder Bay advises, “Warmer weather arrived early this spring and with it, an early start to our construction season. Several projects are already underway in Thunder Bay. Road construction can result in road closures, detours and delays for drivers. Watch for signage and please drive with extra care in construction zones”.
The following areas are scheduled for road and other major infrastructure work expected to affect traffic during the period from May 20 to June 17, 2010. The City’s Capital Budget provides funding for these projects. Some of this year’s construction projects, including road and bridge work, are funded in part, through the Federal Gas Tax Program.
For more information or to view a map of construction projects, visit www.thunderbay.ca and go to Living, Getting Around, Road Work Ahead.
Temporary street closures will be in effect:
- Monday, May 24 from 8 am to 12 noon, May Street from Arthur Street to Donald Street, Arthur Street from Brodie Street to May Street, complete street closure from intersection of Simpson /Arthur/May north along Simpson to Fort William Road, to Water Street, to marina Park Overpass, then through Marina Park returning along the same route for the Firefighters’ 10 Mile Road Race.
- Saturday, May 29 from 9 am to 9 pm, Bay Street from Secord Street to Algoma Street and Bay Street from Algoma Street to Macher Avenue will be closed for the I Love Bike Lanes Celebration.
- Sunday, May 30 from 1 pm to 5 pm the East/West portion of Legion Track Drive between the North/South portion of Legion Track Drive to Brunswick Street will be closed for the Arthritis Walk.
- Friday, June 4 from 5 pm to 8 pm, Saturday, June 5 from 8 am to 9 pm and Sunday, June 6 from noon to 9 pm Waverley Street from Red River Road to Banning Street will be closed all weekend from Friday at 5 pm to Sunday at 9 pm., Waverley Street from Banning Street to Algoma Street will be closed Friday, June 4 from 5 pm to 8 pm, Saturday, June 5 from 8 am to 9 pm and Sunday, June 6 from noon to 9 pm for the Thunder 100 Soap Box Race.
- Every Wednesday from June 23 to Aug. 18 (with the exception of June 30) from 5 pm to 9 pm Bobby Curtola Drive from the CN Station Parking Lot to the base of the Overpass and Saul Laskin Drive will be closed for Summer in the Parks events.
Road Work Ahead:
- Rehabilitation work on the May Street Bridge over the Neebing River began in mid-April. Work will continue through the summer months. Access for all business and residents will be maintained but motorists can expect traffic delays.
- Road work on Woodside Street from Whalen Street to McComber Crescent, Walsh Street from Kingsway Street to Edward Street, Dublin Avenue from Valley Street to Walkover Street, Inchiquin Street from Winnipeg Avenue to High Street, Balsam Street from Huron Avenue to Margaret Street, Bay Street from Secord Street to Banning Street, Harold Street from Miles Street to Victoria Avenue. Expect detours, lane closures and possible driveway access restrictions in some locations.
- Work on a retrofit is scheduled to begin at the Duke Street Pumping Station including pressure zone enhancement and grid improvements.
- Watermain rehabilitation and replacement is scheduled along James Street in the northbound lane from Churchill Drive to Parkway Drive. Watermain work is also scheduled along Dublin Street from Walkover Street to Valley Street and along Bay Street from Banning Street to Secord Street.
- Arthur Street between Kingsway and Norah Street is scheduled for pavement resurfacing, curb, sidewalk and traffic signal repairs. Watch for lane closures during construction.
- Lisgar Street in the vicinity of Port Arthur Stadium and Arena is now closed as a public street. New parking lots and a community public square are being developed for this recreation location. Construction continues until June 30.
- Sections of Balsam Street, Woodside Street, Newberry Crescent, Secord Street and Inchiquin streets are scheduled for road paving improvements. Watch for block to block closures as the work proceeds. Local access only.
- Minot Street from Bruce Street to Brooke Street is currently closed to local traffic to allow for the reconstruction of the sanitary sewer and existing watermain.
- Dawson Street from High Street to Prospect Avenue will be closed to local traffic for road resurfacing.
- 7th Avenue from High Street to Winnipeg Avenue will be closed to local traffic due to resurfacing.
- Machar Avenue from Bay Street to Wilson Street will be closed to local traffic to allow for the reconstruction of the sanitary sewer and existing watermain.
- Bank stabilization work is being performed at the culvert along Arthur Street just east of Mapleward Road. This work will be complete next week.
- Sidewalk work is slated for on sections of Balmoral Street, Kingsway, Christina Street, Isabella Street, Miles Street and Rankin Street.
The City of Thunder Bay’s Active Transportation Plan will see the first dedicated bike lanes along Court Street between Fort William Road and Gibson Street operational this month. New parking restrictions will be in effect in some areas from May 1 to Nov.14. Watch for signage and new pavement markings. Future work on the Active Transportation Plan includes dedicated bike lanes on Walsh Street from James Street to Syndicate Avenue and on Syndicate Avenue from Brock Street to Walsh Street. Shared bike lanes are planned for the entire length of Fassina Street and along John Street from Junot to Algonquin 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.