Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Barrie has started a project to reconstruct and upgrade some of its oldest infrastructure.
Much of the infrastructure under the neighbourhood near downtown is among the oldest in the city, dating back to 1910 in some cases.
The project includes replacing water mains and sewers, adding new storm sewers, catch basins, and maintenance holes, and a filtration unit to improve the quality of storm water running into nearby Sophia Creek.
The city will also install a new sidewalk on the south side of Sophia Street between Mary Street and Maple Avenue.
Phase two of the reconstruction project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to commence in 2027 and carry through to 2029.
Roadwork has also started on the Bayview Drive transportation improvements project, affecting the Little Avenue to Big Bay Point Road area.
The following improvements will be done as part of this project:
- Bayview Drive will be widened to three lanes, including a continuous two-way left turn lane
- Replacement of the water main, a new storm sewer, and crossing culverts
- New street lights will be installed
- Separated bike lanes will be added, as well as a sidewalk on the west side of the road
More significant road closures on this section of Bayview Drive will start in early July and go until October.