Market Street reopens, nearly completed

By Casandra Turnbull

It’s not easy driving around Paris these days with multiple construction projects underway. However, there’s some good news as Market Street is reopening.

“The road work has been delayed by the paving contractor,” said Mark Maxwell, Project Engineer for the County of Brant Maxwell noted Amico Infrastructure crews are currently working to correct any deficiencies that were discovered following the extensive roadwork that started last summer. The street will reopen until crews are ready to complete the final paving.

Phase 1 of the project started last year between August to December with the installation of a deep storm sewer and sanitary sewer, as well as watermains from Capron Street to Wellington Street. The County of Brant reopened the roadway just before Christmas to allow traffic and pedestrian use throughout the winter months when construction work is typically stagnant The road closed again earlier this spring to complete the final stage of work between Wellington Street north to Silver Street. This first phase of the project came in under budget at approximately $4.6 million,

Maxwell confirmed, also stating thankfully there were no major surprises along the way and that both property owners and motorists were very understanding of the work, despite the inconveniences.

Phase 2 of this project is on target to start this summer with some storm outlet work scheduled between Broadway Street and the Nith River, but a majority of the roadwork will happen in 2024

During phase 2 of this project, the County will reconstruction Broadway Street West from Capron Street to West River Street. Phase 2 of the project will require more public feedback. It will address more serious pedestrian safety concerns. One major change will include the creation of a sidewalk on the east side of Broadway Street West and installing better lighting for pedestrians. This section of roadway is a busy artery that connects Paris’ downtown to its north end. Many residents walk, run and cycle this roadway often and it is the only roadway that provides access to the trails at Penman’s Pass.