Added workforce, reduced downtown traffic, means Dunlop Street project could be completed ahead of schedule

City, contractor adjusting schedule

A province-wide shutdown has had at least one positive effect on Barrie. Downtown construction is moving at a faster pace.

The City of Barrie says, due to an increase in available work crew, and a decrease in traffic downtown, the project’s schedule has been advanced. Stage One of this phase, affecting Dunlop from Owen to Clapperton, was expected to continue into July. It is nearly at completion.

The City says it will go directly to the project’s Stage Three. Originally scheduled for September to November, Dunlop St. will now be closed from Mary St. to Maple Ave. starting Monday, April 27th. It should wrap up by mid-July.

RELATED: DUNLOP STREET FACELIFT CONTINUES

Meanwhile, Stage Two of the plan, originally scheduled from July to September, will now begin in August. This includes the closure of The Five Points and the intersection of Toronto Street, with work continuing along Dunlop between these two points until October.

The Dunlop St. reconstruction project is anticipated to not only replace aging infrastructure, but improve pedestrian access; wider sidewalks, new streetlights, planters, and trees. Downtown businesses are promised more accessible, attractive storefronts.

RELATED: NEW BIA BOSS SAYS DOWNTOWN BARRIE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IS CURRENTLY THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

According to a statement from the City of Barrie, “The City and contractor are following all provincial direction with respect to physical distancing at work sites. Workers are limiting contact with each other and additional hand sanitizer and wipes are available. No meetings are held inside construction trailers; site meetings are conducted via teleconference.”

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