Work begins on Lindsay’s long-awaited Colborne Street bridge project

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: After decades of discussion, work is finally underway on a project intended to support the construction of a new Colborne Street bridge in Lindsay.

Construction began recently, at Colborne Street West and William Street North, as part of the Colborne Street Access Road Construction and Watermain Relocation Project, an early step in preparing for the new bridge.

For, longtime resident, Brian Noble, seeing work get underway is a welcome development.

“I moved here almost 30 years ago, and they were talking about this project then,” Mr. Noble told The Standard. “It's great to see something finally happening.”

The project includes: relocating a watermain, constructing a new municipal access road, demolishing a building at the intersection of Colborne Street and William Street, and restoring the roadway once construction is complete.

Work is scheduled to run from October 5th to December 15th, weather permitting, with several road closures planned throughout the construction period.

Beginning October 13th, Colborne Street West will be closed, between William Street North and the Carew Apartments parking lot entrance, for the duration of the work. Access to the apartments will be available only from Pottinger Street.

From October 19th to November 9th, the intersection of William Street North and Colborne Street West will be fully closed while crews relocate and connect the watermain. Through traffic will not be permitted at the intersection, although local access will be maintained.

Detour routes and traffic control signs will be in place, and motorists are being asked to follow posted signs and use caution around construction workers and equipment.

For newer residents, the project represents an opportunity to improve connections throughout the community.

Tessa Smith, who moved to Lindsay last year and lives nearby, acknowledged, construction could bring some temporary inconvenience but said, the long-term benefits would be worthwhile.

“The construction will probably be annoying at times, but this is going to be great to connect us with the rest of the community and make getting around Lindsay a lot easier when it's done,” added Ms. Smith. Further information about the project, including updates on construction and traffic impacts, is available through the City of Kawartha Lakes' Lindsay Major Projects webpage.

While road closures and detours will affect the area in the coming weeks, the start of construction marks tangible progress on a project longtime residents have been waiting decades to see move forward.