For the first time since May, a newly-paved Main Street East is fully open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
The Making Over Main Street project has marked a significant milestone as construction activities have transitioned to the next block.
See related: Main Street project on schedule, moving to next phase
MCA Contracting has now moved work from Block 5 (Sherbrooke Street to Wyld Street) to Block 4 (Wyld Street to Ferguson Street). This phase of the project is scheduled to be completed in early November. The project is set to resume in April 2024 and is tentatively scheduled for completion in the fall of 2024. Each block is expected to take up to three months to complete. Only once a block has been fully reconstructed will the contractor proceed to the next block.
Traffic control detours have been relocated. Traffic at Main East and Wyld is controlled by an all-way stop and this will last until fall. There are no left turns from Main Street East onto Wyld. Main Street East can be accessed from Oak Street East via Wyld (see photo gallery).
See also: Downtown businesses to remain open during reconstruction project
Pedestrian fencing has been installed along both sides of the street between Wyld and Ferguson and pedestrian access to businesses remains open.
Crews have commenced the removal process for this section, including the existing interlock brick and curb (see video below).
The contractor will return to the block between Sherbrooke and Wyld at a later date to install trees, benches, and festoon lighting, as well as new streetlight poles, which have been delayed due to manufacturer supply challenges. The supplier is committed to providing an updated delivery date late next month.
The City and the contractor are working together to install temporary lighting to ensure a safe and well-lit environment for pedestrians.
To learn more about the Making Over Main Street project, including background and frequently asked questions and answers, please click here.
The $8.85-million Making Over Main Street project involves the reconstruction of Main Street between Sherbrooke and Cassells, as well as a section of Ferguson Street between Main and Oak. It is the first major renovation of Main Street in nearly 40 years. New above-ground infrastructure will be installed, including road base, curb and gutter, concrete crosswalks, exposed aggregate accent sidewalk, concrete sidewalk, traffic control system, streetlight upgrades, festoon lighting, asphalt paving and other ancillary works.
