Road improvements planned for Old Simcoe Rd. delayed until 2027 construction season

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Years of wear and tear, beneath one of Port Perry's key roadways, have prompted additional engineering work, as plans move forward for a major rehabilitation of Old Simcoe Road.

The preliminary design phase for the Old Simcoe Road Rehabilitation project is underway and remains on schedule; however, new investigations have revealed underground deficiencies which will require further study before construction can begin.

The project will see Old Simcoe Road rebuilt, from Reach Street to Queen Street. Planned improvements include: upgrades to the road base; utility infrastructure work; new asphalt paving; pedestrian safety enhancements at the intersection of Old Simcoe Street and Queen Street; a new sidewalk near the Port Perry Curling Club; and a realignment of the intersection at Chimney Hill Way.

At the Monday, June 1st, General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, municipal staff presented an update, requesting additional funding to support modifications to the project's design.

Initial field investigations and borehole sampling were completed to examine the condition of the roadway's asphalt surface, granular base, and subbase. The studies found several locations where the road structure, beneath the pavement, is not deep enough to support a long-term rehabilitation.

According to township staff, proceeding without addressing those deficiencies would shorten the roadway's lifespan and likely require further repairs within a relatively short period of time.

As a result, additional geotechnical investigations, storm sewer cleaning and condition assessments, and underground utility surveys will be required before detailed engineering design can be completed.

To fund the additional work, council approved the use of money from the Development Charges Engineering Reserve Fund and the Road Reserve Fund. Final approval of the budget increase is expected, at the June 22nd council meeting.

Once the detailed engineering design is completed and utility relocations are finished, the project will move to the tendering stage. Construction is currently anticipated during the 2027 building season, with completion expected later that same year.

Many residents said the investment is overdue.

"I drive that stretch almost every day, and you can definitely tell the road is aging," said Port Perry resident, Steve Williams. "If they're going to rebuild it, I'd rather see them do it properly, now, instead of patching it and having to come back again, in a few years."

Nearby resident, Sarah Wilson, welcomed the planned pedestrian improvements. "The intersection at Queen Street can be busy, especially during the summer," she said. "Anything which makes it safer for people walking through the area, is a positive step."

"Nobody likes hearing about budget increases, but if the engineers are finding issues under the road, it makes sense to address them while everything is open," said long-time resident, Matt MacDonald. "In the long run, that's usually the cheaper option, to do it right the first time."

Municipal officials thanked residents for their patience while the additional studies are completed, and indicated, further updates on timelines will be provided as the project progresses.