The installation of a new sanitary sewer line along Lower Patricia Boulevard will require Queensway to be closed at the intersection with Patricia for several weeks.
Without the upgrade, the existing sanitary sewer system serving the downtown and the industrial area to the east of Queensway is at capacity. The new system is required for any significant housing or commercial expansion downtown. The sewer upgrade is part of a larger project to upgrade aging infrastructure in the vicinity of City Hall that is at capacity, in poor condition, or at high risk of failure.
The new sanitary sewer is about 1km long and extends from the intersection at 7th and Dominion, past City Hall, to Patricia Boulevard, across Queensway, and along the base of the Patricia Boulevard escarpment to a lift station at 4th Avenue and London Street. From there, the new sewer line will join the existing City sanitary sewer system that connects to the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Lansdowne Road more than 5km away.
“While this work to upgrade our sewer system is critical, we recognize that closing Queensway will pose a major inconvenience and we are doing everything we can to make sure the closure is as short as possible,” says Adam Homes, Director of Engineering. “For example, doing this work now, when the groundwater levels are lowest, will minimize delays that can be caused by high groundwater. We are also committed to accommodating pedestrians for the duration of the project.”
Projected timeline:
- November 3: Implementing traffic control on Queensway for minor traffic interruptions/delays.
- November 7: Full closure of Queensway at Patricia.
It is currently expected that Queensway will re-open next month with a paved surface. Alternate routes to the downtown from the south are available along Victoria and Winnipeg Streets.
“We’re extremely grateful for residents’ understanding during this project and we would also like to remind motorists to follow traffic signs and to drive cautiously in the area of road closures and detours,” adds Homes.
