Working together to build a better downtown is shown to be more than a slogan on the Front Street Reconstruction Project that is now rolling along. In consultation with Thorold Business Improvement Area merchants and listening to their needs, changes were made to the original work plan. As a result, during the construction project, only local traffic will be allowed on Front Street between Regent and Sullivan / Clairmont, while some restrictions will be in place during the work. This means deliveries to the Front Street businesses and parking spaces on Front Street will be accessible to vehicles.
Peter’s Excavating Ltd. mobilized last week to start the project. The first step included installation of safety fencing along sidewalks for separation from the road. Associated Engineering is also working on the project.
The plan is slated to continue today (Monday, May 11, 2020) with the start of the underground work. This first phase in the construction plan will start on Front Street at Regent St by installing new water mains and continue up the road to Sullivan / Clairmont.
In the next phase of construction later this , machines will dig up the road to install new sanitary pipes and storm sewers will go into the ground.
When water service needs to be closed to specific buildings on Front Street, businesses in those locations will be notified 24 hours in advance. Typically, the water shut down should take approximately 3 hours in each case.
New asphalt is also expected to cover the road in mid-June or July depending how things go with the construction.
New sidewalks will be installed along with some beautification of the street, which will be done in the final stages of the project if everything goes according to plan.
The construction is expected to take approximately 120 working days, according to City of Thorold Engineer, Sean Dunsmore. So the construction should tentatively extend the work to about December 2020.
Free Daily Parking in Lot #2
A change to downtown parking regulations also means Parking Lot 2 (Towpath and Albert Street, north of Fire Hall) will be free all day. So the 2 hour free limit has been waived for Lot #2 during the construction. Parking Lot 5 will be closed to the public and will be used for the needs of the construction project.
City Engineer Sean Dunsmore will establish a schedule for regular updates as part of a public communications plan. For questions related to the project, merchants can contact Sean by email Sean.Dunsmore@thorold.ca or 905-227-3535
As the contractor, Peter’s Excavating will operate a storefront office in the vacant space adjacent to Thorold Fish and Chips at on 46 Front St. North.
A signage campaign will be produced to inform and direct people coming into the construction zone.