Ontario construction News staff writer
Construction is in full swing on Timmins’ Connecting Link project — a major investment to rebuild Hwy 101 and upgrade aging infrastructure.
Timmins council awarded a $21.7-million contract to GIP Interpaving Ltd. for the reconstruction of Highway 101, focusing on Segment 13 of the Connecting Link, stretching east from Crawford Street to the Porcupine River Bridge.
Due to the scope of the work, construction is planned over two years and will include full asphalt restoration, drainage improvements, and the installation of new streetlights and traffic signals.
A new sidewalk will also be added to the north side of Highway 101 between Crawford Street and the Porcupine Mall to improve pedestrian safety and walkability. Additionally, the city is upgrading the watermain to increase capacity and efficiency in the water distribution system, preparing for future growth.
“Reconstruction of Segment 13 is a top priority due to the age of the infrastructure and asphalt quality,” said Scott Tam, Timmins’ director of growth and infrastructure, in a news release.
He stated that the project is designed to minimize disruptions, with only temporary lane reductions required and no significant traffic detours. Access to businesses will be maintained throughout construction.
The project also includes relocating the entrance of the Integrated Emergency Services Complex, which houses the Whitney Volunteer Fire Hall, to align with the traffic lights at the Porcupine Mall.
Timmins’ Connecting Link, one of the largest in Ontario, spans approximately 21 kilometres of highway and connects two ends of a provincial highway through the community.
The Connecting Link program is partially funded by the province, with Timmins being one of 77 Ontario municipalities eligible for financial support to maintain these critical transportation corridors.
Timmins has been rehabilitating as part of the Connecting Link program since 2016, dividing the roadway into 14 segments for phased construction. The full project is expected to be completed by 2030.
The work includes full asphalt restoration, improving drainage and installing new street lights and traffic signals. A bigger watermain is being installed to allow for future growth and development, and a sidewalk is being added to the north side of the highway between Crawford and the Porcupine Mall.
A new access point is being created at the Porcupine Mall intersection to tie into the emergency services complex across the road. The new system, according to the city, prioritizes emergency vehicles at the intersection, “minimizing the risk of travelling through red lights and helping to improve response times, especially during peak traffic hours.”
