Some big construction projects are getting underway and that means some short-term headaches for commuters.
The City of Orillia will close Harvie Settlement Road at Old Barrie Road with a cul-de-sac. The city will also work on the realignment of Old Barrie Road and the Highway 11 on and off-ramp.
"We intend to continue Highway 12 and merge it into Old Barrie Road, at the same time aligning the off ramps for Highway 11," says Wesley Cyr, manager of engineering for the City of Orillia.
Work will begin on April 5. It’s part of a $4.3 million project to improve traffic flow around a new commercial development near the highway.
"We need to better accommodate that intersection and make it safer and more traffic friendly."
In Barrie, city crews have already closed a section of Mapleview Drive for reconstruction. This closure is between Huronia Road and Country Lane.
There have been rolling lane closures in this area over the last few months, becoming the source of commuter frustration in the south end of the city.
Crews are working to install a sanitary sewer under Lovers Creek. The closure is scheduled until at least May 1.
The County of Simcoe has a number of projects in the works. They’re looking to finish off construction at the King Street bridge in Alliston, and the intersection of County Road 43 and Wilson Drive in Springwater.
"Crews were on sight waterproofing the bridge structure and will begin paving tomorrow. Weather permitting it will open Friday," says County of Simcoe spokesperson Christian Melie.
Here’s a look at some of the other projects the County will be working on:
- Work will continue on County Road 90 near the Nottawasaga bridge in Utopia
- Road rehabilitation on County Road 92 between Wasaga Beach and County Road 29
- Road rehabilitation on County Road 27 between Flos Road 5 to Elmville
- Road rehabilitation on County Road 169 between Concession B & C Road to the Switch Road.
"Most of those projects will begin in May into June, as part of our road work. We always keep minimum one lane open."
