Construction on Essa Road started last week and already it’s causing problems for businesses and commuters.
The work zone is about two kilometers in size, stretching between Burton Avenue and the Allendale GO train station.
“If you are coming from the south going to the GO train station there will be some impacts to the timing,” says Stew Patterson, manager of design and construction with the city.
Currently the GO train parking lot can only be accessed by heading down one of the side streets between Burton and Gowan Street.
“It caught me by surprise and I wasn't sure what was going on,” says one driver.
Businesses are open and while most owners feel this is a short term pain and long term gain project, some say there's no question business are being affected.
“It’s definitely affecting some of the flow. The cleaner road ways and better access will be better for everybody,” says Trevor Kadlec of Flooring by Design.
The $8.85 million project will see work done on the drainage and sanitary systems, utility relocation and general design. The closure is expected to be in place until September.
Once work is done, the closure will move down the road between Burton and Anne Street for similar work.
