The second phase of the Cassells Street reconstruction project is set to begin on Monday after a four-week delay because of COVID-19.
The closure will see the street closed from King Street to the Highway 11/17 bypass.
“We worked with the contractor and the medical officer of health, but we feel confident we can move ahead in a safe manner now,” Mayor Al McDonald said.
Officials say the provincial government has given the go-ahead on municipal construction projects that deliver, or support the delivery of services, including sewage treatment and disposal, potable drinking water, and critical infrastructure repair and maintenance including roads, dams, and bridges among others.
City officials say the health and safety of workers are paramount. The contractor has provided training to its employees that includes practicing physical distancing, cleanliness, and disinfecting. During this time, contact between the contractor and property owners will be done through paper handouts, phone calls, and notices posted on the city’s website.
“This is the second phase of the over $10 million two-year project,” McDonald said. “It will reshape Cassell Street. Traffic was getting bogged down there, so this should open up the area.”
McDonald remains optimistic the work can be done by November, but the work could go into the spring of 2021.
“The work includes reconstructing a bridge and the intersection of Chippewa and High Streets,” he explained. “This is a massive infrastructure project.”
