Construction on a section of Algonquin Boulevard just east of the Mattagami Bridge has started.
Last month, Timmins council approved the $7.2-million Connecting Link project to rebuild Algonquin Boulevard West from Mattagami Boulevard South near the bridge to Theriault Boulevard. The project includes a full reconstruction of water, sanitary and storm infrastructure, new curbs and sidewalk, new asphalt and new light standards.
The construction will affect traffic on the main road through the city.
During the first phase, Mattagami Boulevard South will be closed to traffic between Algonquin and Wilson, according to the City of Timmins. Algonquin will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
Eventually, Algonquin will be closed to all traffic.
For local traffic, the detour will be Mattagami Boulevard South to Wilson Avenue.
Heavy truck traffic will have to use the bridge located just north of the main one and use Laforest Road to connect with Highway 655.
"We know that construction can be disruptive and we're taking measures to make sure the detour allows for consistent traffic flow and keeps vehicles moving," said Ken Krcel, Public Works manager.
"Temporary traffic signals will be installed at Wilson Avenue and Cameron Street. We've also looked at the one-way section of Mattagami Boulevard South and know that it is wide enough for two lanes of traffic during the construction period."
In the fall, the city applied for a $3 million provincial grant for the work, which is the maximum available through the Connecting Link program. If that funding doesn't come through the city plans to use federal gas tax cash to cover the $3 million.
In Timmins, the Connecting Link is a 21.35-kilometre stretch of Highway 101 running from Kamiskotia Road in the west to the old railway tracks in Porcupine.
Since 2016 more than $19 million of roadwork has been done on about five kilometres from the top of Rae Hill to Legion Drive.
Last year, changes were made to the city's heavy truck bylaw on the Connecting Link.
Heavy trucks travelling along Highway 101 — which is also known as Harold Avenue, King Street, Algonquin and Riverside at various points — are required to use the curbside lane in both directions from Falcon Street in Porcupine to Government Road in the west end of town.
