Ontario Construction News staff writer
Barrie’s Dunlop Street construction project is ahead of schedule, due to additional crew availability and reduced traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current stage of construction (Dunlop between Owen and Clapperton streets), scheduled for March to July, is almost completed, staff report. Sanitary sewers, watermain and box culverts are completed, street lights have been installed from Poyntz Street to Owen Street.
The final stage, originally scheduled to begin in September and last until November, will start next week and is anticipated to end in mid-July.
A middle stage, originally planned for July to September, will now start in August.
“Work in soil cells and tree pits is ongoing and the Owen Street intersection is expected to open in early June,” officials wrote in a report to council.
Officials say the city and its contractor are following “all provincial directions” regarding physical distancing at construction sites. “Workers are limiting contact with each other and additional hand sanitizer and wipes are available.”
Construction crews are monitoring and assessing the effect of the virus on the overall schedule for each site, including:
- Harvie Road
- Innisfil Street
- Mapleview Drive