Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Barrie has completed the Duckworth Street Improvements and Grove Street East Watermain project, a multi-phase initiative that modernizes critical underground infrastructure while improving road safety and active transportation in the city’s east end.
The project involved a full reconstruction of Duckworth Street from Bell Farm Road to St. Vincent Street, along with the installation of a new watermain on Grove Street from Duckworth Street to Nelson Street. Work was carried out in three phases, with the final stage recently completed.
“This work is part of our commitment to modernizing Barrie’s infrastructure – both above and below ground,” Mayor Alex Nuttall said in a statement. “In addition to upgrading aging water and sewer systems, these improvements support safer streets, better traffic flow, and more options for walking and cycling.”
Key upgrades included:
- Replacement of the watermain and sanitary sewer
- Stormwater system improvements to enhance drainage
- Road widening and new dedicated cycling lanes
- Installation of new sidewalks, curbs and pavement
- Intersection upgrades, including permanent traffic signals at Codrington and Duckworth
The initiative started with a 2014 Municipal Class Environmental Assessment that recommended measures to better support active transportation along Duckworth Street while addressing underground service needs.
With construction now complete, officials say the corridor is better equipped to handle future growth while improving day-to-day travel for residents.