Downtown Paris is open again as traffic returns following months of construction
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
After a long summer and fall of construction, downtown Paris officially reopened to traffic on Friday, Oct. 23, marking a welcome milestone in the County of Brant’s Downtown Dig project.
For the first time in months, vehicles travelled through the downtown core and across the William Street Bridge, bringing a sense of normalcy back to the heart of Paris.
But it was Saturday that truly showed just how much people had missed their downtown. Despite the road being fully open, traffic was moving at a crawl as visitors flocked to the area. Sidewalks were bustling with shoppers, pedestrians and families enjoying the beautiful fall weather and the charm of downtown Paris. It was a welcome sight following months of construction disruptions.
Before the road reopened Friday, some residents took advantage of one last opportunity to walk along the freshly paved street, snapping photos and enjoying the unusual experience of standing in the middle of Grand River Street without traffic.
The downtown transformation also includes two decorative crosswalks: a rainbow Pride crosswalk celebrating inclusion and a Remembrance Day-themed crossing honouring local veterans and those who served.
While the reopening marks a significant milestone, a little more patience will be required. A temporary closure near the Nith River Bridge is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Oct. 27, for several days while crews complete final paving on Grand River Street North between Mechanic Street and the bridge.
That work will conclude this phase of the Downtown Dig, with the county planning a pause in downtown construction for 2027.
Attention will now shift farther north, where work on a new roundabout will bring partial closures to Grand River Street North.
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