The second phase of the Front Street reconstruction project will start this spring.
The second phase includes reconstruction of the Front Street/Neywash Street corridor from Colborne Street East to Laclie Street.
In order to prepare for the project, some pre-construction works, which include some lane closures, will start Monday.
There is an existing underground Bell duct structure in the Front Street/Mississaga Street East intersection. That duct structure has to be raised in order to accommodate the new storm sewer that will be installed for the second phase.
Bell has indicated that they will be commencing the duct structure work on March 9; it will take approximately two weeks to complete.
To accommodate replacement of the duct structure, the following traffic restrictions will be required:
- The section of the westbound lane on Mississaga Street East between the Front Street intersection and a point approximately 30 metres easterly will be closed.
- A detour route using Tecumseth Street, Laclie Street, Neywash Street and Front Street North (as per Plan 2 attached) will be signed.
- Traffic on Front Street itself in the intersection area will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
The project will also necessitate the removal of the evergreen trees in the east boulevard of Front Street North between Coldwater Street and Neywash Street and of various trees/brush at the east end of Neywash Street (to accommodate the proposed cul-de-sac).
The City has selected SugarBush Tree Service, who will begin removing the trees in the coming weeks. The removals are required to be completed by April 1, 2020, to avoid the migratory bird nesting season.
There will be partial lane reductions in effect to ensure traffic is safe from any falling debris. No Species at Risk (including no butternut trees) were found in the areas where tree removal is to take place.
Check the attached maps for details or visit orillia.ca/frontstreet to learn more about the project.