A popular downtown street will be essentially closed to through traffic during a two-year reconstruction project set to begin this summer.
City officials announced Baker Street will be open to “local traffic only.”
“We’re going to try to maintain that as long as we can,” commented project manager Stephen Gazzola, noting there may be temporary closures needed for some of the work. “We’re going to do everything possible to keep this open (for local traffic).”
The reconstruction project involves the replacement of underground pipes and sewers, as well as resurfacing.
Once that’s done, the area is slated to see accessible sidewalks, benches, bicycle racks and street trees.
The reconstruction effort is expected to begin this summer and be completed by the fall of 2024.
“Our goal is to improve this critical infrastructure to provide quality service and support the vitality of our downtown core,” states a city news release. “The city is coordinating this work carefully to minimize impacts to downtown businesses, residents and visitors.”
In the end, Baker Street will be changed from a one-way road to accommodate two-way traffic, with the Woolwich Street intersection redesigned to include traffic signals.
The city has posted a virtual open house to present plans and design concepts to the public, as well as gather feedback. The open house is set to end on March 27.
