Barrie's Anne Street bridge to reopen to traffic after months of delays

The highly anticipated Anne Street bridge construction in Barrie is nearing completion, with an opening date just weeks away.

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The project over Highway 400 that 'significantly impacted traffic' was initially meant to be completed by the end of 2022, but the Ministry of Transportation said weather and other challenges out of its control caused significant delays, pushing the completion date several times.

Local businesses say they can't wait for the busy bridge to be operational once again.

"It's a good thing. Bring business back to normal. It's going to be a good bridge. It's going to be very positive having a nice brand new road, a brand new bridge for this town, so I think it's been a good thing," said Rita Fuda, owner of The Italian Bakery on Wellington Street in Barrie. 

Last month the ministry stated the bridge should be open to traffic by the end of July, but in an email to CTV News on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for the ministry noted all major operations related to the bridge had been completed.

• RELATED | Barrie's Anne Street bridge project delayed until next year

While some work remains, the ministry expects the new bridge near Donald and Dunlop Streets to be open to traffic in early June.

The crossing from Edgehill Drive to Donald Street has been closed for the duration of construction, which began in the spring of 2021.

As for the city's next big project, it will take place on Sunnidale Road from Letitia Street to Wellington Street. Crews will be installing new transmission water mains in the area.