With a primary focus on enhancing the urban landscape of Barrie, city officials are implementing robust plans to improve transportation and streamline commutes for residents. At the forefront of this initiative is a considerable investment in road infrastructure, with a budgeted $128M dedicated to enhancement projects and new constructions.
Mayor Alex Nuttall emphasizes that the Council's priority is to invest significantly in the road network. A total of 16 road construction projects are in the pipeline, with plans to resurface 9.2km of existing roads. This proactive approach aims to mitigate deterioration and circumvent expensive repairs in the future.
Here is a list of some of the key projects planned for this year:
- The Bryne Extension is split into two separate initiatives — the aforementioned south link and the north section, which runs from Harvie to Essa Road. Bryne South will support the new Harvie and Big Bay Point Road crossing over Highway 400, and it will significantly improve traffic flow across the south end of the city. The south extension should be complete by the end of 2024. The extension will feature five traffic lanes, sidewalks and new sanitary sewers, water mains and stormwater management ponds. On-road buffered bike lanes are also planned.
- Relocation of Sanitary Sewers at the Cedar Pointe, Edgehill and Hart drives and Dunlop Street West areas, to prepare for the Dunlop bridge replacement project.
- Duckworth Street is getting a new water main and a right-of-way expansion. Work will include the replacement of all underground infrastructure on Duckworth, from Melrose Avenue to Bell Farm Road, such as the water main and storm and sanitary sewers. Between St. Vincent Street and Bell Farm, the city is set to add new pavement, sidewalks, traffic signals, street lights and bike lanes onto the roadway. The project should be done in about two years.
- The Essa Road Expansion and Overpass will allow for easier highway access and safer pedestrian crossings.
- Sunnidale Road Sewer and Water Main relocation work will get that area ready for the replacement of the bridge over the 400. Work began about a month ago and runs from Wellington Street to Letitia Drive.
In parallel, the city is undertaking 16 resurfacing projects spanning 9.2 kilometres of road to preempt deterioration and expensive future repairs.
"The city’s capital program delicately balances road network expansion with improvements to existing streets."
Infrastructure and Growth Management General Manager | Bala Araniyasundaran
Simcoe News reports that Mayor Nuttall adds that the city is investing in infrastructure and roads as this is one of the most important parts of their mandate. He stated that there is road resurfacing happening around this city as they strive to fix the roads that have been in such rough shape for so many years.
Araniyasundaran echoes Nuttall's sentiment, revealing that the Bryne Drive extension is a unique project, building a road in a greenfield area, where none existed before. This not only speeds up the construction process but also creates a crucial link in the city's south end, promising reduced congestion and smoother commutes.
These ambitious projects demonstrate the city's commitment to improving residents' lives by enhancing the built environment. By reducing congestion, making it easier to traverse the city, and pre-empting potential issues, Barrie is investing in a sustainable and promising future. This is a blueprint for responsible and strategic growth, one that values both the present and future generations of Barrie.