Paris’ next major construction project to begin next month

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Paris residents will have an opportunity next week to learn more about, and voice their concerns over, the next major infrastructure project slated for the community, as the County of Brant prepares to begin work on West River Street and Broadway Street West this fall.

The County will host a public information open house on Monday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at County of Brant council chambers, 7 Broadway St. W.

The drop-in event will give residents an opportunity to review project information and speak directly with members of the project team about the planned reconstruction, including construction timing, traffic impacts and access during the work.

The $8.81-million project will replace and upgrade aging underground infrastructure along Broadway Street West and West River Street, including wastewater and stormwater services, while adding a new watermain and reconstructing the roadway.

A multi-use path will also be constructed along the corridor, creating dedicated space for pedestrians, cyclists and other forms of active transportation where no dedicated pedestrian facilities currently exist.

The new watermain is intended to support future residential, commercial and industrial growth in south Paris and will be funded through development charges.

Work is expected to get underway in early October, beginning on West River Street between Charlotte Street and Broadway Street West (from the three way stop on West River Street to the stop sign by Penman’s Buildings).

West River Street will close to through traffic while storm sewer work is completed, but local access will be maintained. Broadway Street West will remain fully open during this phase.

The timing is being carefully coordinated with the ongoing Downtown Dig to limit the number of major routes closed at the same time.

Construction on Broadway Street West will not begin until the current phase of the Downtown Dig is complete and Grand River Street North and William Street have reopened. The County currently anticipates an overlap of approximately two weeks between the projects.

During that overlap, the County says two open, free-flowing traffic lanes will be maintained through the area.

Once construction moves onto Broadway Street West, that road will be fully closed to traffic while West River Street reopens. Access to residential properties along Broadway Street West will be maintained.

The County has emphasized that Broadway Street West and West River Street will not be closed at the same time, ensuring one route remains available throughout construction.

That sequencing was also a key issue when councillors approved the construction contract earlier this year.

County Capital Project Manager Joe Murphy told councillors in June that the work would proceed in three phases: repairs to the stormwater outlet leading to the Nith River, completion of the remaining West River Street work and, finally, reconstruction of Broadway Street West.

The project will become more complicated when construction reaches the CN railway corridor.

Work is required beneath the railway tracks and will necessitate the temporary full closure of either Market Street or Broadway Street. The County is awaiting CN approval of the work plan before confirming which road will close and when.

During earlier council discussions, Murphy estimated the railway-related work could take approximately four months to complete. 

Access to Railway Street will be maintained during the work. The County also plans to maintain access to the Paris Transfer Station and Penman’s Pass parking lot throughout construction, although temporary access reductions or restrictions may be required near Railway Street.

The County awarded the reconstruction contract to Regional Sewer and Watermain Ltd. in June for $8,811,034.65, excluding HST. The company submitted the lowest of four bids received.

The overall project is expected to continue through 2027, with substantial completion targeted for the end of that year. Final asphalt paving and landscaping are scheduled for spring 2028.

Residents who cannot attend the Sept. 21 open house can submit comments and questions to the County through its Engage Brant project page. Additional information about construction timing, road closures and traffic impacts will be released as the work progresses.