Get prepared for some major disruptions downtown, according to the Town of Bancroft’s Public Works Manager.
Perry Kelly says phase one of construction is set to start on Tuesday, September 6th. It will encompass the west side of Hastings Street North from Bridge Street up until the courtesy crosswalk at the Scotia Bank. Kelly says he hopes everything can be completed before everything freezes up this fall.
Kelly says there will be no on-street parking in the construction zone so that they can keep two-way traffic moving through the town. The pedestrian sidewalk on the east side of Hastings Street North will be accessible, and Bonnechere Excavating (BEI) will be helping people cross the street. They will also be speaking with business owners in the construction zone to make sure there is minimal disruption to their operations.
Kelly adds that there may be a little mayhem in the first few days, and they will be working to make the transition as seamless as possible. He is urging everyone to be patient, and keep an eye open for signage. Construction staff will meet at 6 AM on Tuesday to break ground.
The build includes brand new sidewalks, curbs, gutters and pavement. Kelly says they have also added SmartCity tech to their streetlights. This will equip the lights to allow for different colour settings in the future. Courtesy crossings will also be removed, and replaced with a push-button pedestrian crossing. Kelly says these upgrades will slow down traffic, promote more walking, and improve the downtown as a place for shopping and experiencing parks
Kelly says he welcomes both negative and positive comments about the new build. They can be emailed to mainstreetmakeover2022@bancroft.ca.
