A number of construction projects are expected to impact vehicular, cycling, and pedestrian travel in Thunder Bay throughout the month of August.

The City is investing $42 million in 2024 to fund crucial infrastructure work including road rehabilitation, sidewalk replacement, sewer and watermain repairs and replacements, and bridge and culvert renewal.

While this work is essential to maintain our community’s infrastructure, it can result in delays for travelers. The City hopes to minimize disruption by sharing project details with the public so they can plan their travel accordingly.

For more information and to view a map of 2024 construction projects, visit: https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-services/construction-projects.aspx

All residents are reminded to reduce their speed, be alert, watch for workers and drive with extra care in construction zones.

The following areas are scheduled for major infrastructure work expected to affect traffic in August. Please note that scheduled dates are subject to change.

ROAD REHABILITATION

  • Alice Avenue

Underway, completion expected in August

Lane closures will be in place as grading and drainage improvements are carried out. Local traffic access will remain available.

  • Wasco Drive

Underway, completion expected in August

Street will be closed for asphalt rehabilitation, with access for local traffic only.

  • Balmoral Street

Underway

Balmoral Street between Cameron St. and the Neebing/McIntyre Floodway will experience lane closures as work proceeds. Work will start in the boulevard for a new multi-use trail on the east side of Balmoral. During this time lane closures will be in place. Travel lanes will be further reduced later in the summer as asphalt rehabilitation and intersection improvements proceed.

  • Memorial Avenue & Harbour Expressway intersection

Underway, completion expected mid-August

Improvements include re-building existing traffic signals and repaving the intersection. Motorists should expect delays in the area during daytime hours. Some lane closures will be in place as crews complete concrete work and other boulevard restoration.

The intersection will be closed overnights from 7 pm to 7 am starting the evening of Tuesday, August 6 and concluding the morning of Saturday, August 10.

  • Arthur Street

Start date TBD

Traffic lanes will be reduced on Arthur Street between Mountdale Ave. and James St. to allow for asphalt resurfacing and minor repairs to curb, gutter, and catch basins. Minor lane closures are expected for the initial work. The intersections of Arthur St. & James St. and Arthur St. & Mountdale Ave. will be closed to north-south traffic during asphalt removal and paving.

  • Edward Street

Start date TBD

Road will be fully closed between Riverview Dr. and Victoria Ave. while resurfacing takes place. Detours will be posted.

  • Mountdale Boat Launch parking lot

Underway, completion expected late September

Boat launch and park area closed until completion of renewal project. Public encouraged to use Mission Island Boat Launch at 107th Ave. on Mission Island for alternate access.

SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION

  • Junot Avenue

Sidewalks on both sides of Junot Avenue have been replaced between Red River Rd. and Stardust Cresc.

A Pedestrian Crossover will be installed to provide a safe, on-demand crossing of Junot Avenue at Melon St.

To support this work, the parking lot at Junot Park will be temporarily closed on weekdays from 7am to 7pm as work proceeds. The parking lot will be restored with addition of some new pedestrian connections once work is complete.

  • Melon Street (Walkway)

A new concrete ramp will be installed along the walkway that connects the two sections of Melon Street. The walkway will be closed during construction.

  • Toledo Street

New sidewalk will be added on the west side of Toledo between Huron Ave. and Superior Ave.

  • Elm Street

The sidewalk on the east side of Elm Street will be replaced between Parsons Ave. and Cottonwood Cresc. This portion of the sidewalk will be closed during construction. The roadway will remain open for local traffic.

  • County Boulevard

A section of sidewalk will be replaced on the west side of County Boulevard, south of Perth Cresc.

  • Valleywood Crescent

Sidewalk will be replaced on both sides of the northern portion of Valleywood Crescent.

SEWER & WATERMAIN

  • Current Avenue and Current Bay

Underway, substantial completion expected by late September

Street is closed, with access for local traffic only.

  • Poplar Avenue

Underway, completion expected by end of August

Poplar Avenue will experience road closures between Windsor St. and Maple Ave. for rehabilitation of watermains and sanitary sewers as well as road resurfacing.

  • North core streetscape renewal

Throughout 2024 construction season

Red River Rd. and Cumberland St. will experience closures as work proceeds to replace underground infrastructure and transform the streetscape in Thunder Bay’s north core.

In August, Red River Rd. will be fully closed between Cumberland St. and Court St., as well as the Red River Rd. & Cumberland St. intersection and surrounding roadway.

Pedestrian access to area businesses remains available.

A directional change remains in place at Cooke St. with traffic flowing eastward to provide access to St. Paul St.

Updates are available at thunderbay.ca/northcoreproject

  • Central Avenue

Underway

Central Avenue will be closed between Golf Links Rd. and Burwood Rd. for storm and sanitary sewer work. Businesses on Central Ave. and Burwood Rd. can be accessed via Burwood from its north entrance off of Oliver Rd.

  • Simpson Street & Dease Street

Throughout 2024 construction season

In August, Dease Street will be fully closed between Simpson and May streets to allow for work including replacement of sewer, water and stormwater infrastructure and roadway resurfacing.

Closures on Simpson Street are expected to begin in August between Rowand St. and Dease St. Signage will indicate alternate routes.

BRIDGE, CULVERT & STORMWATER

  • McKellar Bridge

Throughout 2024 construction season

Work on the bridge will take place throughout the 2024 construction season. The bridge will remain open, but lane closures may occur. Please be aware of workers while travelling in the area of the bridge.

  • Pedestrian Bridges

Throughout 2024 construction season

Work is ongoing to replace pedestrian bridges at Brent Street and County Park. The structures have been removed and pedestrian detours are posted.

A new pedestrian bridge is being constructed over the McIntyre River in George Burke Park, in the area behind Bishop EQ Jennings school. Adjacent trails will be blocked at times as crews construct the bridge. Please follow posted detours.