THUNDER BAY – It is said Thunder Bay has two seasons. Winter and Construction season. May marks the start of a busy road work season in Thunder Bay. Projects to be undertaken in 2014 include road and sidewalk rehabilitation, residential paving, sewer and watermain repair/replacement, bridge work and streetlight renewal.
The City of Thunder Bay is spending $40 million in improvements and related infrastructure investment, including $8.25 million in the Enhanced Infrastructure Renewal Program Capital Budget in 2014.
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.
Temporary street closures will be in effect:
· Saturday, May 10, from 9:30 am to noon, West Lyon Boulevard from Algoma Street to Arundel Street, eastbound lane only of Black Bay Bridge between West Lyon Boulevard and East Lyon Boulevard and East Lyon Boulevard from Arundel Street to Rita Street, for the Thunder Bay Run for Women.
· Friday, May 30 at noon to Saturday, May 31 at 5 pm, Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive to Bobby Curtola Drive, for Thunder Bay Mining Days.
· Saturday, June 7 from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm, Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive to Bobby Curtola Drive, for Relay for Shelter.
Road Work Ahead:
The following are areas scheduled for road and other major infrastructure work expected to affect traffic this month:
Sewer & Watermain Work
· Sewer and watermain work will commence soon on Frankwood Street from Oliver Road to Hartland Street.
Bridge Work
· Reconstruction of the Court Street Bridge should begin in early June. The bridge will be closed for the duration of the construction, likely into October. Please follow posted detours.
· The City’s bi-annual bridge inspection program is underway for 2014. Engineers will be inspecting all the pedestrian and vehicular bridges in the City, and traffic lanes may be closed for short durations as the work progresses.
Road, Street Lighting & Sidewalk Improvements
· Valley Street reconstruction will soon be underway between Masters Street and Carl Avenue. Some driveway disruption is possible. Watch for lane closures and possible temporary closures of side streets that access Valley Street as work proceeds.
· Harbour Expressway between McIntyre River and Memorial Avenue is scheduled for pavement resurfacing. Watch for alternating access to traffic lanes, speed reductions and lane closures during construction.
· Lithium Drive is scheduled for pavement resurfacing. Some interim closures and detours may result during asphalt removal and repaving operations.· Central Avenue near the McIntyre River is scheduled for repaving. A brief road closure to through traffic may result. Please obey signage.
This list includes major, traffic-affecting construction only. Additional work, including sidewalk replacements and curb and gutter repairs, is scheduled for residential areas and other areas around the City. The schedule is subject to change.
