Downtown Dig Update

The Downtown Dig is entering its final stages, but completion has been slightly delayed due to a parts supply issue. While crews were aiming to fully open the road during the week of October 19, a delay in installing traffic signals at the William Street intersection has pushed the timeline back.

County staff remain optimistic for a late October or very early November full reopening. To keep the project moving as fast as possible, the contractor plans to work this Saturday, October 17 between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm (weather permitting).

Here is the revised, phased plan to get the road fully reopened:

Revised Reopening Phases

• Phase 1: William Street Intersection Reopens (Targeted for the end of next week)
• Crews expect to finish and inspect the traffic signals.
• Once approved, the William Street intersection and Grand River Street North (heading north) will fully reopen.
• Paving and line painting for this section are already complete.
  
  
• Phase 2: Full Reopening (Immediately following Phase 1)
• Grand River Street North (between William St and the Nith River Bridge) will close for four days.
• This closure is required to pave the final layer of asphalt, install two raised crosswalks, and paint the Veteran’s crosswalk at Mechanic Street.
• We will share the detour route utilizing Willow St and William St as we approach this work.
• Note: This 4-day phase is highly weather-dependent and will determine the exact final opening date.

Project Status Checklist

Completed Milestones (100% Done)

• All watermain and sanitary sewer installations
• Siphon work, lining, and road granular
• Topsoil placement, curbs, and sidewalks
• Base asphalt, streetlights, and hydro repairs

Work Remaining

• 95% Complete: Brickwork
• Traffic signal installation and testing
• Siphon chamber lid installation, backfilling, and area restoration
• Restoration of the east side of the William Street bridge
• Planting trees and greenery
• Surface asphalt paving (Mechanic Street to the Nith River Bridge)
• Installing the Veterans Crosswalk by Mechanic Street
• Power washing sidewalks and building faces
• Fixing any remaining minor deficiencies

County staff will continue to monitor progress closely and provide regular updates as we enter these final weeks of construction. Thank you for your continued patience.

To follow the project and receive the latest updates, subscribe to www.EngageBrant.ca/DowntownDig or follow the Downtown Dig on Facebook and Instagram.