City puts Main Street reconstruction project out to tender

The City of North Bay is planning to proceed with the reconstruction of a section of Main Street this spring.

A request for tenders closing Feb. 23 was issued this week for the construction contract. Once the contract has been awarded, the project, which will take place along Main Street between Cassells Street and Sherbrooke Street, and on Ferguson Street between Main Street and Oak Street, is expected to get underway in early spring.

As recently as March 2022, the project's cost was estimated at $6.2 million.

See related: Report: Main Street 'beyond rehabilitation'

And: After 40 years, a makeover for Main Street — open house today

The work will involve replacement of surface infrastructure including new asphalt roadway, brushed concrete and exposed aggregate sidewalks, curb and gutter, retaining walls, stairs, railings, benches, traffic lights, festoon lighting and other ancillary works. It will be the first major renovation to Main Street in nearly 40 years.

Prior to construction, members of the public will have an opportunity to review the construction drawings, examine the project schedule, and ask City staff and the contractor questions related to the project  during an open house at City Hall. Notification of the public meeting will be determined once a low bid contractor has been awarded the project.

See also: City asked to push $6.2M Main Street project to 2023 as downtown businesses recover from pandemic

Originally planned for 2022, tendering of the project was postponed last year following consultation with downtown businesses due to concern about the potential impact of construction at the beginning of their post-COVID-19 recovery.

And: Main Street rejuvenation will take short vacation before excavation

For more Main Street recontruction project information, click here.