Seven-month road construction project comes to an end in Timmins

The City of Timmins is putting the final touches on Algonquin Boulevard East, between Balsam Street and Brunette Road.

The four-lane section of the city’s main thoroughfare has been closed since April while a major overhaul took place. Century-old underground infrastructure has been updated, the road base has been redone and there are new sidewalks, curbs and lights.

Algonquin Boulevard between Balsam Street and Brunette Road will reopen on Thursday, November 21. It’s been closed since April. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

The city spent roughly $10 million of its Connecting Link construction budget on the project.

"I think the thanks has to go to the province," said Coun. Bill Gvozdanovic.

"They're the ones that kicked in most of the money and I think going forward, any improvements you see on the Connecting Link are all connected to the province and our representative (Timmins MPP) George Pirie, so he deserves the thanks for what's going on here."

Many businesses, including city hall, were affected by detours during construction. Some owners, who didn’t want to go on camera, told CTV News they felt the impact of the road closure, saying it took longer than they expected, but they’re happy it’s finally reopening.

Gvozdanovic thanked everyone for their patience.

"It's going to be open on Thursday and now they can get back to having … a regular route to their businesses as opposed to playing, like, snakes and ladders where you get to a street, then you have to stop and turn around and go back another way," he said.

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A new traffic signal and crossing on Algonquin Boulevard East near Hollinger Park will also be operational once the road opens.

In a news release, the city said the project completes all three downtown segments.

Gvozdanovic said next year, the plan is to redo Highway 101 East from the Porcupine River Bridge to Crawford Street in South Porcupine.