Road Construction and Closures

Slurry seal applies a thin layer of asphalt emulsion mixed with fine aggregate and mineral filler to the road surface on low volume roads (high float treated). Specialized equipment spreads the mixture evenly, sealing the pavement and creating a smooth road surface that extends the lifespan of the road. It can be used on both asphalt and concrete surfaces and is especially effective on roads with minor defects or needing preventive maintenance. 

One key benefit of slurry seal is its ability to fill minor cracks, preventing water penetration and further damage. It also protects against sunlight, oxidation, and other environmental factors. The application process includes surface preparation, cleaning and repairing major defects, followed by the slurry application and curing before reopening to traffic.

The following District roads will receive the Slurry Seal Treatment based on the 2025 High Float Surface Treatment contract:
• Muskoka Road 9 – South Portage Road (from Muskoka Road 23 to Dwight Beach Road) 4.5 km
• Muskoka Road 9 – South Portage Road (from Civic #2803 to Cedar Patch Lane) 1.8 km
• Muskoka Road 6 – Cooper’s Falls Road (from Black River Road to McArthur Side Road) 4.7 km
• Muskoka Road 8 – Limberlost Road (from North Tasso Lake Road to end) 4.4 km

Description: Microsurfacing is a road maintenance technique that applies a thin layer of asphalt-based material, composed of asphalt, water, aggregate, and additives to the road surface on higher volume roads. A specialized machine sprays the mixture evenly, which is then smoothed and allowed to cure, forming a durable wearing surface resistant to water, UV rays, and environmental damage.

Roads scheduled:

Muskoka Road 19 (Beier’s Rd.) from HWY 11 to CN Rail

Muskoka Road 30 (Walker’s Point Rd.) from Muskoka Rd. 169 to Walker’s Point Rd.

Muskoka Road 118 from Donald Dr. to Muskoka Rd. 7 (Peninsula Rd.)

Muskoka Road 34 (White’s Falls Rd.) from HWY 400 to Vollicks Rd.

Muskoka Road 11 (High Street) from Lake Joseph Rd. to Boundary 

Muskoka Road 4 (Windermere Rd.) from Wonder Beach Rd. to Shea Rd.

Muskoka Road 117 from Tackaberry Rd. to Stoneleigh Rd. East

Muskoka Road 18 (Muskoka Rd. N) from Lofty Pines Dr. N (2.5 km)

Muskoka Road 36 (Beaver Creek Dr.) from Muskoka Rd. 1 (Gravenhurst Parkway) to end

Muskoka Road 38 (Kanien’kehá:ka Iohatátie) from Muskoka Rd. 169 to Boundary

Construction Period: Spring 2026

What's happening: Road resurfacing on Muskoka Rd. 37 from Cedar Ln. to north of Queen St.

Work includes:

• Partial/full depth pulverization of existing asphalt
• Two lifts of hot-mix asphalt
• Associated driveway and minor road intersection reinstatements

What to expect:

• Single lane closure during working hours (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
• All lanes will re-open at end of day
• Minimal delays, expected 5-15 minute wait
• No impacts to garbage collection 

Last updated: April 15, 2026

The District of Muskoka is aware of pothole and surface conditions on Coopers Falls Rd./Muskoka Road 6 (MR6) and is actively completing repairs. The information below summarizes current repairs, why these conditions are occurring, and what residents can expect next.

Current repairs underway:
Temporary cold patch asphalt repairs are ongoing while asphalt plants remain closed for the winter season. Crews have been on site and will continue repairs at least weekly until permanent repairs can begin.

Once asphalt plants reopen (typically around the Victoria Day long weekend), deficient areas will be milled and replaced with hot mix asphalt before the final surface treatment is applied. This permanent work will be completed as contract deficiency repairs at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Patrols and maintenance:
MR6 is classified as a Class 4 road, which under provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards requires patrol every 14 days and pothole repairs within 14 days of identification. In response to current conditions and resident concerns, the District has doubled patrol frequency and repair efforts. District inspection and road patrol staff are driving this section regularly to monitor conditions and ensure timely response.

Construction history:
In summer 2025, the existing roadway was pulverized, blended with new granular material, and compacted to create a stable base. Later that summer, a double surface treatment (two applications of asphalt emulsion and aggregate) was applied as an interim surface.

A final slurry seal is scheduled for summer 2026, following one full seasonal cycle. This approach allows any deficiencies to be repaired beforehand and provides a uniform, durable finished surface.

This work was completed under District contract administration with full‑time inspection and within the approved project budget.

What residents can expect:

• Ongoing temporary pothole repairs
• Permanent asphalt repairs when plants reopen
• Slurry seal application in summer 2026
• Continued increased monitoring until work is complete

Questions or concerns?
 Please contact Public Works at publicworks@muskoka.on.ca

For more information on the Huntsville water and wastewater forcemain project, please visit the Mountview Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Decommissioning and Infrastructure Improvement Project page.

Construction period: Early Spring – Summer 2026

Project overview:
The Locks Bridge is undergoing critical rehabilitation to improve safety and extend its service life. Work includes:

• Recoating and repairing structural steel truss components
• Resurfacing the bridge deck and approach roads
• Enhancing guardrails and roadside barriers
• Installing new signage to improve vertical clearance awareness

What to expect:

• Single-lane traffic in effect during construction, managed by automated traffic signals
• Lockview Rd. access will be closed; detour available via North Mary Lake Rd. This closure may be implemented prior to the start of main works. Please refer to Municipal 511 for up-to-date information.
• Intermittent delays should be expected along the Muskoka Road 2 (Brunel Road) corridor in the immediate vicinity of the bridge.
• Construction noise is expected, including some weekend work in accordance with local by-laws
• Signage and advanced notice will be posted to help guide drivers safely
• This year, more of the work will be visible to passersby, as crews focus on the steel and surface components above the bridge deck.
• Dedicated flagging will be provided during peak AM and PM school hours to address excessive queuing observed in fall 2025.

For the most current road closure and detour information, please visit Municipal 511.

Thank you for your patience as we continue this important rehabilitation project to preserve and extend the life of the bridge for years to come.

Construction Period: Returning spring 2026

What's happening: Road resurfacing on Muskoka Rd. 23 from Deerhurst Highlands Dr. to East Brown Rd.

Work includes:

• Full depth pulverization of existing asphalt
• Two lifts of hot-mix asphalt
• Associated driveway and minor road intersection reinstatements

What to expect:

• Single lane closure during working hours (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
• All lanes will re-open at end of day
• Minimal delays, expected 5 to 15 minute wait
• No impacts to garbage collection 

Location: Muskoka Road 2 (Ravenscliffe Rd.) at the Bittern Creek culvert, approximately 4.5 km south of the north end limit near Ilfracombe.

Project Overview: Late last year, staff noticed some settling in the road surface on Muskoka Road 2, about 4.5 km from the northern limit in the Town of Huntsville. After completing emergency repairs and conducting a detailed investigation, staff discovered a significant portion of the Bittern Creek culvert had corroded beyond what can safely be repaired.

This culvert is an important structure that allows a major tributary of the Muskoka River watershed to flow beneath the road.

The contractor will install a new culvert with a specialized polymer coating that will protect against corrosion and ensure this structure serves our community reliably for many years to come.

Since it’s critical to have the new culvert in place before spring water levels rise, staff have moved quickly to get this critical project underway.

What to Expect: Following careful consideration of the scale and complexity of the work, the project is anticipated to proceed under a full road closure, tentatively scheduled between March and April 2026. Efforts will be made to minimize the duration and operational impacts of the closure.

Detour: (Note. please see community updates section below) This closure will impact travel times and service routes. Available detour maps.

Community Updates:

May 8, 2026 Update:

Road opening for commuters this evening

Ravenscliffe Road is on track to reopen to single-lane traffic at the Bittern Creek Culvert replacement area in time for commuters this evening.

Barrier installation was completed this morning, with traffic control setup to follow this afternoon. One-lane signal-controlled by traffic lights will will be in place to safely manage traffic flow through the area.

Motorists are reminded to use caution when travelling through the construction zone, as crews will remain on site and active. Please obey all posted signs, signals, and speed limits, and be prepared for changing road conditions.
Work will continue on site this weekend as the project moves toward full completion. Further updates will be provided, including timelines for project completion during our weekly updates as work continues. 

Stay updated: These updates are circulated via email to those who have requested to be added to the project mailing list. 

To sign up for the mailing list, please send an email to publicworks@muskoka.on.ca with the following subject line:  Mailing List Request – Bittern Creek Culvert Replacement

The District of Muskoka and the Township of Lake of Bays are working together on the first ever 'Muskoka Main Streets' project, starting in Baysville. This initiative was created to strengthen the places where residents live, work, and connect, because main streets are more than just roads. They’re community gateways, economic corridors, and shared spaces. For full project details please visit the project page at www.engagemuskoka.ca/mr117-baysville