The City of Barrie is expected to discuss the long awaited extension of a busy road, which could give thousands of people a new shortcut through the south end commercial district.
The planning has been going on behind the scenes for some time to extend Bryne Drive as part of the city's Master Transportation Plan. When this missing link is finished, it will pass by the location where a new overpass is supposed to be built over Highway 400.
Right now city planners are looking to council to make a decision on exactly where the road will be built – something council will start talking about on Monday night.
“So far we have looked at different options for the alternatives for where exactly this road will go and so we have looked at five different alternatives, and we are recommending an alternative for council to endorse tonight,” says director of engineering Jacqueline Weston.
Watson says it's an alternative route for people to get through the city and would help with congestion on Mapleview Drive.
One of the next steps is designing the road. The land the city needs is privately owned, but talks are currently underway to acquire it.
The city estimates the total cost for the project is just over $12 million.
At the moment, they anticipate the work would be done by the year 2021.
