Millions of dollars in road and infrastructure improvements are up for approval at Chatham-Kent council's next meeting.
On Monday night, council is being asked to approve a total of $5.8 million to reconstruct Elgin Street in Wallaceburg ($4 million) and the intersection of Park Avenue East and Sass Road in Chatham ($1.8 million).
According to a staff report, the Elgin Street project includes new sanitary and storm sewers between Forhan Street and Lorne Avenue, installing a larger watermain, including services to the property line, repaving the road, replacing driveway approaches, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and restoring the boulevard.
The Elgin Street project is expected to be completed in two separate phases, said staff. Phase 1 is planned to begin in September and will continue as weather permits. Phase 2 is expected to begin in the Spring. The overall project should be finished by August 2027.
Improvements to the intersection of Park Avenue East and Sass Road include a new traffic signal; road widening to accommodate turning lanes; concrete curbs, catch basins, and drainage improvements; a new sidewalk along the north side of Sass Road connecting to Junction Avenue; street lighting improvements; repaving the intersection and approaches; and restoring the site, the report showed.
The municipality said Park Avenue East and Creek Road will remain open to traffic during construction. However, Sass Road will be closed for a portion of the project and a detour will be posted.
Administration noted access to all nearby businesses will remain open at all times.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the Fall 2026 and be "substantially completed" by December.
