The final downtown segment of the Connecting Link will begin with demolition of the overpass on Algonquin Blvd. E. Contractors are expected to mobilize the week of March 25 to start staging the area, with removal of the overpass beginning the first week of April. Dates are subject to change.
Once Stage 1 of construction begins, Algonquin Blvd. E. will be closed east of the Spruce Ave. intersection to just east of the overpass, with traffic being diverted on Brunette Rd., down Second Ave. to Mountjoy St. S. Removal of the overpass is expected to take two weeks. This year’s detour route will see temporary traffic lights added at both ends of Second Ave., but the stop signs at the intersections of Spruce and Balsam will remain in place.
“We worked with AECOM’s Transportation Department to revise last year’s detour and ensure the east and west stop signs on Second Ave. at Spruce and Balsam were not removed,” says Scott Tam, Director of Growth and Infrastructure. “We’re confident this will not create any significant congestion along the detour route, but will certainly alleviate some of the concerns raised from last year.”
Stage 2 of construction will begin immediately following the demolition of the overpass. Algonquin Blvd. E. will be closed to all traffic from east of the Balsam St. intersection to west of Brunette Rd. Detour signs will be in place before Mountjoy St. for eastbound traffic.
“Algonquin Blvd. will remain open between Mountjoy and Balsam, but we’re trying to encourage motorists to plan their route, “adds Tam. “If you are bypassing the downtown, consider turning at Mountjoy. It will create less congestion at the point of construction and keep traffic moving.”
During construction, access to Service Timmins at City Hall will be from Cedar St. N. via a temporary pedestrian walkway to the main entrance. A pedestrian crossing will also be maintained across Algonquin Blvd. that will shift around the active construction area as work progresses. It’s important that residents obey signs and traffic controls to keep themselves and contractors safe at all times.
The City’s Engineering Dept. is also working with the local snowmobile club to minimize disruption to what has already been a short season. While the City anticipates that work will begin at the end of March, plans can change. Residents can sign up to receive Connecting Link updates directly at: www.timmins.ca/our_services/news_and_alerts/subscribe-to-city_news-alerts.
Work is also confirmed this summer for both bridges along the Connecting Link. Porcupine River Bridge and Mattagami River Bridge will be rehabilitated with temporary lane reductions beginning sometime in May. Contractors will begin site preparation in late March, which includes installing netting underneath the Porcupine River Bridge to deter nesting birds.
For more information on the Connecting Link, visit: www.timmins.ca/our_services/engineering/connecting_links.
|