NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF BARRIE
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The We Dig Downtown project is almost complete! The final stage of Dunlop Street construction will begin in the next few weeks.
This $13.1-million project will transform the look of Barrie’s downtown and make Dunlop Street more accessible and pedestrian-friendly for residents and visitors.
The final stage of construction work is expected to begin the week of Aug. 31. This final stage includes work on Dunlop Street in the Five Points intersection to Maple Avenue, and from Mary Street to Toronto Street. It will also include closures of the Five Points intersection and the Toronto Street intersection.
Barrie Transit will also be affected with detours for Routes 2,3, 6 and 8.
The project milestones that are complete or almost complete include the following:
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The area from Mulcaster Street to Clapperton Street is generally complete. Clean up of any outstanding deficiencies, tree plantings and top asphalt paving are the only things left to be completed in this area. Fencing will still be in place in a small section on Dunlop Street near Clapperton Street for storage of material until the Five Points (Bayfield/Clapperton) intersection is closed.
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Dunlop St. from Maple Avenue to Mary Street is expected to open the week of Aug. 31, weather permitting. Dunlop Street from Mary Street to Maple Avenue, including the intersections of Mary Street and Maple Avenue, remain closed at this time. Underground works are generally complete, but surface work and road preparation are ongoing. Paving of this section will likely happen the week of Aug. 24.
The entire project is ahead of the original schedule and is now expected to be complete by early November.
The Dunlop streetscape project replaces aging infrastructure in Barrie’s downtown. Above ground, the project has improved the pedestrian experience with wider sidewalks, while providing downtown businesses with more attractive and accessible storefronts. New streetlights, planters and trees will make for a refreshed and greener downtown appearance.
All businesses on Dunlop Street are accessible during construction and we invite residents to support local. Downtown parking is free until September 8. Visit the BIA’s website at downtownbarrie.ca to find out more about local shops, restaurants and services.
Visit barrie.ca/DigDowntown to learn more about the project.
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