Midland’s major road reconstruction project making steady progress

Yonge Street: One of Midland’s busiest road projects is moving ahead on schedule, with several key improvements already taking shape. (Mayor Bill Gordon)

Yonge Street: One of Midland’s busiest road projects is moving ahead on schedule, with several key improvements already taking shape.

The major overhaul began back in May and has caused months of inconvenience for motorists and businesses alike. However, town officials emphasize that this work was badly needed.

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According to Midland Mayor Bill Gordon, fresh asphalt has been laid, lanes have been narrowed to help calm traffic, and bike lanes have been widened to improve safety for cyclists along Yonge Street.

“We’re working hard to improve safety in our community while also tackling major infrastructure projects,” said Mayor Bill Gordon over social media on Friday.

As part of the upgrades, the posted speed limit is being reduced to 40 kilometres an hour, and new automated speed enforcement cameras are set to go live near Mundy’s Bay Elementary School on September 2.

The town has two cameras, one located at Mundy’s Bay Public School and another on William Street in front of Sacred Heart Catholic School.

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The project has been in the works for a while, mainly due to the infrastructure aging out and failing.

The reconstruction covers the stretch of Yonge Street between Second Street and Norene Street, while resurfacing work is being completed from King Street to Second Street and from Norene Street to County Road 93.

Prior to construction, an estimated 12,000 vehicles used Yonge Street on an average day according to town officials.

The project remains on track and is expected to wrap up in November.