Huntsville’s Diggin’ Downtown Stage 2 Road Closures Begin Wednesday, June 16 2021

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Huntsville’s Diggin’ Downtown Stage 2 Road Closures Begin Wednesday, June 16 2021

Construction for Diggin’ Downtown Huntsville will enter Stage 2 on Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Stage 2 means that Main Street will be closed to traffic from Brunel Road to Centre Street, including King Street. This brings good news as vehicular traffic will reopen across the swing bridge and on Brunel Road on Wednesday.

Over the next couple of weeks, crews will be finishing up some final restoration work in the Stage 1 area to complete sidewalk installation, planting trees, lamp posts, and installing the Brunel intersection traffic signals. As sidewalks are installed, there may be temporary restrictions in certain areas, and traffic may be reduced to a single lane at times. Crews onsite will work directly with those affected when the time comes to ensure business can continue and access to stores is not disrupted.  

Pedestrian access will remain open at all times across the bridge. A temporary three-way stop will be in place at John St to allow for pedestrian crossing as crews continue with bridge work. River Street will be closed until bridge work is completed. This road surface will be used as a storage area for bridge equipment, to reduce disruption downtown

While work on the underside of the swing bridge occurs, boat traffic can continue to pass under the bridge. However, height restrictions are temporarily in place. Some boat tops/canopies may need to be put down while navigating under the bridge. The approximate maximum height for passage under the bridge is currently nine feet. Signage will be in place to provide notice to boaters in advance. 

With the Province’s reopening plan in place there is an anticipated traffic increase as small outdoor gatherings, outdoor dining and non-essential retail are permitted, with capacity restrictions. Please keep this in mind, follow the signs along the Stage 2 detour routes, and plan your time accordingly.

The District of Muskoka will continue to conduct traffic studies throughout the construction project and will adjust traffic lights along in the area as needed. We want to remind motorists not to block intersections along the route to keep traffic moving.

Stage 2 - What’s Happening

Starting Wednesday, June 16, 2021:

• Underground water and sewer infrastructure replacement on Main Street from Brunel to West Street
• New sidewalks, boulevards and parking spaces with streetscaping elements
• King Street streetscaping
• Town Hall ramp

Stage 2 - Road Closures and Detour Routes

Starting Wednesday, June 16, 2021:

• Main Street closed from Brunel to Centre Street
• Active construction will take place from Brunel to West Street
• Passive construction zone from West to Centre Street (closed for material storage)
• King Street closed
• Westbound and eastbound traffic will be directed south of the construction area onto Brunel Road, Veterans Way and Centre Street
• Traffic travelling north or south will be directed between Brunel Road and Centre Street, along Veterans Way
• River Street will remain closed to vehicular traffic with pedestrian access available to the sidewalks
• Pedestrian access remains open and accessible throughout downtown in all Stages of construction
• Visit Huntsville.ca/diggindowntown for parking maps outlining the detour route

All businesses in the construction zone are open and following COVID-19 protocols.

To stay in the know regarding construction news, timelines, detour information, maps and resources for the duration of the project visit Huntsville.ca/diggindowntown.

Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to ask questions on EngageMuskoka.ca.

Background

Diggin’ Downtown construction began in March 2021 to address aging underground water and sewage infrastructure. Replacing the infrastructure also created an opportunity to improve the pedestrian experience with new sidewalks and streetscape elements to provide a more attractive and accessible downtown, including a smooth new driving surface.

The project consists of five stages in total.  Stages 1 to 4 are planned in 2021, with Stage 5 wrapping up all construction activities in the spring of 2022.