Delays push Dundas Street East reconstruction into 2027

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The reconstruction of Dundas Street East in Paris continues to progress, but the project is now expected to take longer than originally planned.

The County of Brant has confirmed that L82 Construction Ltd. remains the contractor executing the work. The company was the original bidder awarded the project through a tender process, with a bid price of $7,840,897.50.

According to Mark Eby, Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, the anticipated completion date has been extended to late 2026 or early 2027. The project was initially slated for completion by May 31, 2026.

The reconstruction includes work along Dundas Street East between Curtis Avenue and the intersection of Dundas Street East and Paris Road, continuing approximately 500 metres along Governors Road. Future phases will extend south from Dundas Street East along Paris Road to the intersection of Paris Road and Oak Park Road, where a roundabout is planned for approximately 2028. Work will also take place on Oak Park Road up to the railway tracks.

Eby said the project will complete a full road reconstruction, including the replacement and extension of watermain, sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure along Dundas Street East, Governors Road, and parts of Paris Road. It will also include a low-pressure sanitary forcemain extending from the end of the gravity sewer on Paris Road to Oak Park Road and along Oak Park Road to the railway tracks.

Road resurfacing, new curbs, and sidewalks will be installed in the urban area, and a dual left-turn lane will be added on Paris Road from the water tower to Oak Park Road. “The servicing work supports employment growth on Oak Park Road as well as improved servicing for existing businesses and to residents east of the CN Train Bridge on Dundas Street East,” said Eby.

The project will also feature improved sidewalks east of the CN overpass to enhance walkability and accessibility. The work was identified in the Paris Master Servicing Plan and is funded through Water and Wastewater User Fees, Development Charges, the Capital Levy, and connection fees billed to adjacent properties.

To date, completed work includes the installation of sanitary and storm sewers on Dundas Street East from the CN Train Bridge to near Green Lane, and sanitary sewer installation on Consolidated Drive from Dundas Street East to 100 metres north.

Next steps include completing the sanitary and storm sewer to just past Tim Hortons, finishing the watermain on Green Lane, restoring the road to four paved lanes, and keeping temporary traffic signals at the Dundas Street East and Paris Road intersection until permanent ones are installed. Four lanes of active traffic are expected to be restored under the CN Train Bridge by approximately November 15 and remain until April.

Although requested, the County of Brant did not provide an update on when the Dundas Street East and Paris Road intersection will reopen. Originally expected to be closed until October 4, then extended to October 10, work is still underway.

Residents can follow project updates at www.brant.ca/News, www.brant.ca/Construction, or on social media at @BrantCommunity on Facebook and Instagram.