County urges patience as construction season ramps up across Paris
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
Residents navigating road closures and detours in Paris are being asked to plan ahead and stay informed as the County of Brant moves forward with a series of infrastructure upgrades expected to stretch through the spring, summer and into the fall.
County officials say the current disruptions are part of a broader, multi-year strategy to modernize critical infrastructure, including water, sewer and road systems, while also accommodating growth. In some cases, overlapping projects are unavoidable due to strict funding timelines and the urgency of replacing aging infrastructure.
“Many projects need to occur which results in more than one project occurring at the same time,” said Melissa Connor, Manager of Communication, Operations. “Some projects have funding deadlines that require certain completion dates, while others are required to address aged critical infrastructure and others are required to meet the requirements for growth.”
Highway 403 ramps and Rest Acres Road
Questions have been raised about ongoing work around the Rest Acres Road on- and off-ramps at Highway 403. The project is being led by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), with the County collaborating as needed.
Connor confirmed the County has pushed for improved communication around the project with more signs along the Highway 403 corridor to warn motorists when closures are in place.
“Yes, the County recently met with the MTO and requested additional communication regarding this project including signage.”
Work is already underway, with tree clearing begun. According to current MTO timelines, most ramp closures are expected to take place on weekends to reduce commuter disruption. However, schedules may change, and residents are encouraged to monitor updates through the provincial 511 system.
As of press deadline on Monday, April 6th, those timelines did change. The County of Brant posted notification on his social channels following an update from the Ministry of Transportation’s notice that between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, intermittent ramp closures will be taking place on Highway 403 at Rest Acres Road from April 7 to 10. Again, no specific details provided on which ramps – east or west – or what times.
This inconveniently timed project, managed by the Ministry of Transportation, not the County of Brant, will affect routes for motorists travelling west from Brantford and hoping to bypass downtown Paris should expect some disruption. Detour routes will be clearly posted by the MTO, and drivers are advised to follow signage and allow extra travel time as even the Paris West Bypass route will present some delays.
Downtown Paris
Closer to the core, construction tied to the ongoing “Downtown Dig” is scheduled to resume April 8, with work expected to continue into late summer or early fall.
The project includes major underground infrastructure replacement, road reconstruction, wider sidewalks, streetscape improvements and enhanced accessibility features - all aimed at long-term community benefit.
While the work will require closures along key corridors, including Grand River Street North and the William Street bridge area, the County emphasizes that downtown businesses will remain open and accessible to pedestrians throughout construction.
Drivers should expect a number of temporary traffic changes, including one-way conversions, restricted turns, traffic calming measures and designated detour routes such as the Paris West Bypass.
Commuters will also work through congestion on Dundas St E as it remains one lane over the next few months as watermain work continues. Paris Road is also restricted to one way traffic, allow motorists to leave Paris on the road, but not enter town.
With multiple projects underway, the County is encouraging residents to take a proactive approach.
“It is recommended that motorists visit www.brant.ca/Construction for information and ongoing updates,” Connor said, noting additional updates are available through Municipal 511, social media channels and Engage Brant project pages.
Signage will also be in place to help guide drivers through changing conditions.
Despite the inconvenience, officials stress the work is necessary and carefully coordinated. “The County considers all of these factors (and more) and has a plan for the next several years to address the various needs within the community while ensuring the residents can continue to navigate our local roadways,” Connor said. “When it is determined that too many projects are occurring at once, construction projects will be delayed.”
For now, residents are encouraged to remain patient, follow posted detours and plan trips ahead as Paris undergoes what officials describe as a once-in-a-generation infrastructure transformation.
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Downtown Paris traffic impacts — what to expect
Road closures (construction area)
Grand River Street North: south of Charlotte St to Mechanic St
William Street: from the William St bridge to west of Grand River St N
Intersection closure: Grand River St N and William St
Temporary traffic changes
Emily St and Broadway St W: temporary three-way stop
Broadway St E: one-way northbound (Broadway St W to Charlotte St); east side designated as drop-off/pick-up zone for Paris Central School
Charlotte St: one-way eastbound (Broadway St E to Grand River St N)
Emily St: one-way westbound (Broadway St E to Grand River St N)
Access and restrictions
Local traffic only: William St (Willow St to the bridge) and Grand River St N (south of Charlotte St); access maintained to Smile City and 139 Paris Professional Centre
Turning restrictions:
No left turns onto King Edward St from Dumfries St
Access Dundas St high-level bridge via Burwell St
Heavy trucks: no through traffic; detour via Paris West Bypass Route
Deliveries:
North of William St: via Silver St and Grand River St N
South of William St: via King Edward St, Dumfries St and Grand River St S
Paris West Bypass Route: recommended for travel to southwest Paris or Highway 403 (Silver St, Keg Lane, Brant-Oxford Rd, Puttown Rd, King Edward St)
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