THUNDER BAY – ROADS – Tired of bouncing along like you were on a ski slalom course on Thunder Bay roadways? The start of the summer road construction season is getting underway.
The City of Thunder Bay is investing $34.7 million in 2017, on road and sidewalk rehabilitation, residential paving, sanitary and storm sewer and watermain repair/replacement, bridge and culvert work, and streetlight renewal.
This month marks the start of a busy road work season in Thunder Bay, and road work can result in road closures, detours and delays for drivers. All residents are reminded to reduce their speed, be alert, watch for workers and drive with extra care in construction zones.
Summer also brings with it numerous community events to engage residents and visitors. These often result in temporary street closures. Again, residents are reminded to obey detours and drive with extra care in the vicinity of these closures so everyone can enjoy the events in a safe environment.
Temporary street closures for events will be in effect:
- Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive North to Bobby Curtola Drive South, on Saturday, May 27, from 10 am – 1 pm, for the Walk for Alzheimer’s
- Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive North to Bobby Curtola Drive South, on Sunday, May 28, from 9:30 am – 3 pm, for the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History
- Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive North to Bobby Curtola Drive South, on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, from 12 pm – 5 pm both days, for Thunder Bay Mining Day
- Waverley Street from Red River Road to Banning Street; Waverley Street from Banning Street to Algoma Street; intersection of Secord Street and Park Avenue, on Friday, June 2, at 8 am until Saturday, June 3, at 10 pm for the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre Soapbox Races
- West Lyon Boulevard from North main parking lot to Arundel Street (eastbound lane), from West Lyon Boulevard to East Lyon Boulevard, and East Lyon Boulevard from Arundel Street to Rita Street, on Saturday, June 3, from 9:30 am – 12 pm, for the Thunder Bay Metre Eaters June Classic Race
- Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive North to Bobby Curtola Drive South, on Sunday, June 4, from 8:30 am – 2 pm, for the Walk to Fight Arthritis
- Chapples Drive, on Sunday, June 11, from 11:30 – 12 pm, for the Law Enforcement Torch Run
- Bobby Curtola Drive from Marina Park overpass to parking lot, and Saul Laskin Drive from Marina Park Drive to parking lot, on Saturday, June 17, from 10 am – 6 pm, for Pride in the Park
- Saul Laskin Drive from Bobby Curtola Drive North to Bobby Curtola Drive South, on Wednesday, June 21, from 9 am – 11 pm, for National Aboriginal Day
Road Work Ahead:
The following areas are scheduled for or presently undergoing road and other major infrastructure work that is expected to affect traffic:
Sewer & Watermain Work
- Central Avenue, between Golf Links Road and Amber Drive will be closed to through traffic in both directions due to the construction of a new trunk watermain. The road will be closed for approximately five weeks.
- First Avenue, between Fort William Road and Memorial Avenue will be closed to through traffic in both directions due to the construction of a trunk watermain, sewer work and road resurfacing. The road will be closed for approximately six weeks.
- John Street, between High Street and Winnipeg Avenue will be closed to through traffic for the replacement of an existing watermain. The road will be reopened in May.
- Court Street, between John Street and Bay Street will be closed to all traffic for the reconstruction of the watermain and sanitary sewer. The road will be resurfaced and separated bike lanes added. The project will be completed by the end of July.
Road, Street Lighting & Sidewalk Improvements
- Replacement of the High Street Retaining Wall will begin in June. High Street South between John Street and Bay Street, and Cornwall Avenue above High Street South will be closed to traffic during construction.
- Road rehabilitation work has begun on Cumberland Street between Gibson Street and the Current River Bridge. Work includes new storm sewer and resurfacing of the street. During construction, traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction.
- A section of Copenhagen Road from the Trowbridge Falls Campground entrance extending North for 1.8 km, is scheduled for road rehabilitation. Watch for lane closures as the work proceeds.
- Residential resurfacing work is scheduled to begin on Cuyler Street and Sunflower Street.
- Crescent Avenue, from Logan Street to Bruce Street, will be under road and watermain construction. Local access only.
- Sidewalk replacement projects on sections of Alberta Street, McIntosh Street, McLaughlin Street and McPherson Street will take place. Some parking, driveway and local access restrictions may be encountered as the work proceeds.
The above list includes major, traffic-affecting construction. Other work, including sidewalk replacements and curb and gutter repairs, is scheduled for residential areas and other areas around the city. Schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit: thunderbay.ca/roadwork
