Having two detours around extensive roadwork on Timmins' main road this summer will mean less traffic congestion, according to the project co-ordinator.
This year's work on the Connecting Link is on Algonquin Boulevard from Theriault Boulevard to Mountjoy Street. The work includes fully reconstructing the water, sanitary and storm infrastructure, new curbs and sidewalks, and new asphalt and light standards.
“In this segment of the Connecting Link construction, we are not hampered by the Mattagami River,” said Eryk Rice, project co-ordinator, in a news release. “With two detour options, the result will be less traffic congestion.”
Access to the Mountjoy Street intersection will be maintained at the start of construction, according to the City of Timmins.
The detour to the north of Algonquin is Theriault Boulevard, Vimy Avenue and Mountjoy Street North. There will be a temporary four-way stop at Theriault and Vimy and a temporary three-way stop at Vimy and Mountjoy.
The south detour is Cameron Street, Commercial Avenue and Mountjoy Street South. There will be temporary traffic lights at Cameron and Wilson, and Commercial and Mountjoy.
"We can also confirm that residents will have access to all businesses located in this section of Algonquin Boulevard West," said Rice.
“Most businesses have entry through a secondary road like Rea Street North or Preston Street. There are a handful of businesses that will be provided with temporary access from a neighbouring property off of Rea Street North. This will be maintained by the contractor and signage will be in place directing traffic.”
The detour for heavy truck traffic is the same as last year.
It includes Shirley Street, Lafleur Drive, Laforest and Highway 655.
New this year, there will be a temporary speed limit drop to 50 km/h on Airport Road just south of Laforest in the Kraft Creek bridge area
In Timmins, the Connecting Link is a 21.35-kilometre stretch of Highway 101 running from Kamiskotia Road in the west to the old railway tracks in Porcupine.
Recently, Timmins awarded a $27.9 million, three-year contract to fully reconstruct the water, the water, sanitary and storm infrastructure, new curbs and sidewalks, and new asphalt and light standards in downtown Timmins.
This year's provincial budget included $74 million for the Connecting Link, however, the document wasn't passed before the legislature was dissolved for the June 2 election.
When Ontario PC leader Doug Ford was in Timmins earlier this month, he refused to confirm that Timmins would receive the money regardless of who is elected in the Timmins riding.
