Nobody ever said the streets of Barrie were paved with gold, but the city is putting down big bucks for new road construction, infrastructure improvements and repaving projects this year.
A total of more than$100 million.
Driving around the city and not encountering orange cones, construction workers and equipment would be an achievement in itself.
"In 2025, we're undertaking 27 construction projects, as well as paving 42 kilometres of roadway," Mayor Alex Nuttall stated in a news release. "With every project completed, we're laying the foundation for a more vibrant, accessible, and thriving community."
In the release, the city highlighted major road construction projects starting soon, currently happening or wrapping up:
- Bayview Drive transportation improvements
Construction work continues this year on Bayview Drive, between Little Avenue and Big Bay Point Road, including lane widening, infrastructure replacements, new bike lanes, and a new sidewalk. The project remains on track for completion in 2026. - Duckworth Street improvements & Grove Street East watermain
Construction is nearing completion for this multi-year project, with finishing touches underway. This project provides a new watermain, sewer replacements, new sidewalks, new pavement, intersection upgrades, and road widening.
Preparations are progressing for this multi-year initiative, led by the Ministry of Transportation. This project will include a full bridge replacement and interchange reconfiguration at Highway 400 and is expected to take approximately four years to complete.
This neighbourhood project is well underway and replaces aging underground infrastructure, deteriorating roads, and expands the water network to support future growth. It is on track for completion in 2026.
- Essa Road interchange & Highway 400 overpass replacement
This Ministry of Transportation project is nearing completion with a widened road and a new highway overpass. These improvements will enhance traffic flow in the south end and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Completion is expected by the end of 2025.
- Huronia Road transportation improvements & trunk sanitary sewer
Preparations are underway for major transportation and infrastructure upgrades along Huronia Road. This project will widen the corridor and add a new trunk sanitary sewer between Lockhart Road and the southern city limit. Early work has begun, with full construction expected to ramp up later this summer.
The stretch between Yonge Street and Prince William Way is being widened to four lanes, with new multi-use trails added on both sides. As a key transportation corridor, these upgrades will support Barrieās growth and make it easier for everyone to move through the east end. Completion is expected by Spring 2028.
In the Queens Park neighbourhood, work continues to replace some of Barrieās oldest infrastructure and includes road upgrades, new underground services, and the relocation of the Sophia Creek culvert. Completion is expected in 2026.
This multi-year upgrade along Owen Street and Sophia Street East will help reduce the risk of flooding downtown by replacing aging stormwater infrastructure. Construction will continue in phases until Summer 2027, with road closures shifting as the work progresses.
Several road resurfacing projects will also be completed this year to proactively prevent deterioration and costly repairs. Visit the pavement management program page for updates on resurfacing projects.Ā
For more information on municipal infrastructure projects and to access an interactive map of 2025 road construction projects, visitĀ barrie.ca/roadwork.
