Barrie residents can have their say soon on widening Bayfield Street, a project that's at least still two years away.
Ontario’s Transportation Ministry (MTO) plans to replace the Bayfield Street bridge over Highway 400, as well as its on- and off-ramps, starting in 2026.
The MTO’s project limits stretch from Grove to Coulter streets, and widening Bayfield Streey to seven lanes.
The ministry also requires the city to build corresponding transportation improvements on Bayfield from Coulter Street to Cundles Road.
The city is providing many opportunities for residents to get involved and provide input on these projects.
Three public information centre (PIC) meetings will be held, the first one scheduled for March 29, 2024. They are to provide information and gather public input.
Those interested can also register for project updates, news and important dates, provide input through this project via the forum idea board, using the mapping tool and complete the survey to provide feedback on current experiences with Bayfield Street and suggestions for the future of this corridor.
Property owners, businesses, residents and tenants within the study area will receive notices via mail, but are also encouraged to register for project updates.
Registering, participating in the forum idea board and/or completing the survey, along with more information, can be found by visiting buildingbarrie.ca/
The city has hired WSP Canada to complete a municipal class environmental assessment for this large infrastructure project.
Its first phase, anticipated during the next two years, involves detailed design, property acquisition, utility relocations and construction.
This project will also assess all modes of travel for pedestrians, transit users, cyclists and motorists.
The MTO is replacing Barrie bridges over Highway 400 as part of its plans to eventually widen the highway to 10 lanes.
Anne Street was completed last year, Essa Road and Sunnidale Road are on-going, as is Dunlop Street, with Bayfield Street still to come.
