Major North Bay road project set to start

Expansion of North Bay’s Mckeown Avenue begins The $9.6 million expansion of North Bay’s Mckeown Avenue is set to begin. The two-year project will see the roadway expanded to four lanes.

The expansion of Mckeown Avenue in North Bay is set to begin Monday from Cartier Street to Gormanville Road.

The $9.6 million project awarded by the city to Ed Sequin and Sons Trucking and Paving Ltd involves widening the road to accommodate four lanes of traffic and adding a new multi-use path along the south side of the road with the path expected to be extended in the future to connect with Airport Road. A storm sewer will also be installed beneath the multi-use path.

Mayor Peter Chirico is warning drivers to leave extra time for travel in the area as there will be traffic disruptions.

"Lots of traffic up there and certainly with the college, the hospital, the university this will make it easier for people to commute in the north end in the city,” said Chirico.

“We're looking forward to that project to make it a little more efficient, replace some of the underground services, the water and sewer, you know, get this project, finished.”

The mayor added that the city has been talking about this project for many years.

“Now, here it is and let's get it done… Let's get it finished," said Chirico.

The project also includes the construction of a new intersection at McNamara Street with traffic lights to facilitate safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the replacement and addition of new streetlights, including pedestrian lighting for the sidewalk on the north side of the road.

"This four-laning project represents a significant investment in our city's infrastructure, improving connectivity, safety and accessibility for residents and visitors,” said Coun. Lana Mitchell in a news release last month.

“We are grateful for the support of the provincial and federal governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these enhancements on our community."

The provincial and federal governments together will contribute up to approximately $4.2 million toward the project funded in part by the rural and northern stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Construction is scheduled to take place over a two-year period with completion targeted for October 2025.