Downtown Barrie road closures begin as major sewer project resumes

Sophia Trunk Storm Sewers project resumes in downtown Barrie, Ont., in April 2026. (City of Barrie)

A stretch of Sophia Street is now closed as construction resumes on a major downtown Barrie infrastructure project.

Sophia Street, extending from east of Owen Street to Peel Street, including the intersection at Peel Street, remains closed until April 30.

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According to the city, the Sophia Trunk Storm Sewers project is underway and crews will be installing a new watermain on Peel Street and constructing a sanitary sewer along Sophia Street.

While traffic is halted this month, local residents will still have access with detours in place.

What’s being done?

Construction this season will include work on Owen Street between McDonald Street and Sophia Street, Sophia Street between Owen and Peel and Peel Street near Berczy Park.

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Workers will be installing a new watermain, sanitary and storm sewers, along with full road reconstruction and a new sidewalk on Sophia Street.

The city says the project is designed to support long-term growth and improve flood protection in Barrie’s downtown.

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Overall upgrades include replacing aging underground infrastructure, improving storm and sanitary systems, installing new water services, and updating lighting, traffic signals, sidewalks and boulevards.

The multi-year project is scheduled to wrap up by summer 2027.