McKeown Expansion a Go
North Bay's McKeown Avenue to Undergo Four-Lane Expansion
A significant infrastructure project to four-lane a section of McKeown Avenue, from Cartier Street to Gormanville Road, is slated to begin early this summer.
Following City Council's approval Tuesday, a contract in the amount of approximately $9.6 million has been awarded to Ed Seguin and Sons Trucking and Paving Ltd to complete the project.
The work will involve widening the road to accommodate four lanes of traffic, with two lanes in each direction. Additionally, a new multi-use path will be constructed on the south side of the road, extending from Gormanville Road, past Cartier Street to the intersection at A&W. This multi-use path is expected to be extended in the future to connect with Airport Road.
Funded in part by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP): Rural and Northern Stream, the provincial and federal governments together will contribute up to approximately $4.2 million toward the project.
Other key highlights of the project include the construction of a new intersection at McNamara Street, complete with traffic lights to facilitate safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the replacement and addition of new streetlights, including pedestrian lighting for the sidewalk on the north side of the road. Additionally, all existing underground water and sewer services will be replaced, with the exception of a large concrete trunk storm. A storm sewer will also be installed beneath the multi-use path.
"This four-laning project represents a significant investment in our city's infrastructure, improving connectivity, safety, and accessibility for residents and visitors,” said Coun. Lana Mitchell, Chair of Infrastructure and Operations. “We are grateful for the support of the provincial and federal governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these enhancements on our community."
A construction start date is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks and completion of the project is anticipated in the fall of 2025. Regular updates will be provided to residents and stakeholders throughout the duration of the project.