North Bay's Making Over Main Street project is moving into its final phase, according to a news release from the City of North Bay.
Construction is shifting to Block 1, between Fraser and Cassells streets, starting this Friday, Aug. 16. Work on Blocks 2 and 3, between Fraser and Ferguson streets, will wrap up by the end of the week, with setup on Block 1 beginning Monday morning.
During this phase, Algonquin Avenue will be closed between Cassells Street and Oak Street West, and Main Street West will be closed between Cassells and Fraser Street. Eastbound/southbound traffic from Algonquin Avenue and Main Street West will be redirected to Cassells and Oak West, while Cassells Street, between McIntyre and Oak Street, will be closed to northbound traffic. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes.
The contractor will return to Blocks 2 and 3 later to complete some finishing touches.
See related: No more bricks: Main Street makeover includes asphalt
Once Block 1 is ready, the removal process will begin, including the existing interlock brick and curb. Traffic control signage will be adjusted to guide vehicles down Cassells Street, then onto Oak Street West.
See also: No courtesy: Drivers 'must' stop for new pedestrian crossovers
This fall, North Bay will see the results of the completed two-year $9.8-million project. The contractor is within weeks of the proposed schedule released in early 2023 (see above). The shift to Block 1 means the Bay Block Party will be held on Aug. 24 on Main Street West between Wyld Street and Fraser Street.
See: Investment in North Bay's downtown showing early returns
In April, the Making Over Main Street project resumed with two construction crews to complete both Block 3, at Ferguson Street from Main Street to Oak Street, and Block 2, from Ferguson Street to Fraser Street.
The project mainly involves the reconstruction of above-ground infrastructure, including road base, curb and gutter, concrete crosswalks, exposed aggregate accent sidewalks, concrete sidewalks, traffic control systems, streetlight upgrades, festoon lighting, asphalt paving, and communication systems. Upgrades to the sanitary sewer on Ferguson Street and other ancillary infrastructure are included.
For more details about the Making Over Main Street project, including its background and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the project website.
CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
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Work Hours |
Work on this project will occur Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Work on Saturday will only be permitted to complete special operations or maintain the schedule. Work on Sundays and holidays is not permitted without special permission. |
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Vehicle Traffic Management:
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Vehicle Traffic will not be permitted on the block under construction and a detour will be in place to assist drivers. Side streets adjacent to the block under construction will be down to one lane of traffic. Flagging personnel will be used intermittently to permit some work on side streets. Motorists are reminded to abide by traffic/construction signs posted in local areas to ensure safe travel of all users including pedestrians and bicycle riders. Every effort will be made to manage traffic and closures for the safety of construction workers, pedestrians and residents. Road users should expect delays travelling through this section for the duration of the project. |
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Pedestrian Traffic Management: |
Stores and businesses will be open during construction. Pedestrians are requested to follow the indicated path along each side of the street for access to businesses. Temporary wayfinding signs will be posted to assist pedestrians find the businesses on that block. |
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Parking |
Parking will not be permitted anywhere on the road during active construction work. Temporary parking arrangements have been made for pedestrians needing access to stores located on each block under construction by permitting 2-hour free parking at lots 2, and 4. |
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Deliveries |
Deliveries may occur during construction using local access but may not always be possible due to the location of installing infrastructure. The Contractor will make every effort to assist with the delivery of packages. |
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Residents |
Residents along each road section indicated will always have access to their property. The Contractor will assist with picking up your garbage and recyclables placed in front of the residence and delivering to the collection agency on the day of normal scheduled pick-up. |
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Businesses |
All businesses’ access will remain open during the construction with signage placed at both ends of the construction limits on each road section as necessary. The Contractor will assist with picking up your garbage and recyclables placed in front of the business and delivering to the collection agency on the day of the normally scheduled pick-up. |
