Grand River Street North on schedule to reopen in December

By Casandra Turnbull

Grand River Street North between Silver Street and Scott Avenue is on track to reopen by Christmas. That’s good news for holiday shoppers hoping to support local north end businesses without the hassle of a detour. The exact date it is scheduled to reopen is to be determined.

Two-way traffic will be permitted next month during the holiday season between Silver to Scott, however, in January the road could close again, depending on weather severity This closure will be north of Scott Avenue towards Hartley Ave and will shut the road down to traffic in both directions. Motorists will be detouring along Woodslee Ave, Lee Ave and/or Oak Ave and Scott Ave.

This first phase of the work only includes the installation of the trunk watermain and sanitary sewer, confirmed Joe Murphy, Capital Project Manager, County of Brant Later phases will include storm sewer and surface works, such as roundabouts and sidewalks/trails along both sides of Grand River Street North, said Murphy.

The roundabout planned for the Scott Ave intersection is slated to start in mid to late summer 2024 and be completed by the end of next year. The roundabout planned at Trillium Way is not likely until 2026-2027

This is the first phase of a multiyear project for upgrades to Grand River Street North as recommended through the Grand River Street North Corri dor Environmental Study Report and the Paris Master Servicing Plan.

As for traffic concerns, they’ve subsided drastically since the initial road closure Plenty of signage and speed calming measures along the detour have helped to keep traffic moving safely.

“Traffic complaints have diminished to near none. Complaints received recently have been regarding the driveway surfaces (gravel surfaces) which we have been working to minimize as much as possible,” said Murphy

“There have also been a few complaints regarding increased traffic volumes on local streets and the detour route itself. The County did implement additional traffic calming safety measures along the detour route and will continue to monitor traffic. Speeding has been monitored along route and to date has not been an issue.”