Major reconstruction projects to close busy Kitchener roads

Construction is expected on Victoria Street starting in July and ending in November. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News)

Road construction season is well underway in the City of Kitchener.

Crews have started work on one project, while another is set to start next week.

Victoria Street

Originally, the Region of Waterloo said Victoria Street, including the Fischer-Hallman Road and Westmount Road intersections, would shut down on Wednesday, July 23. That date was then moved back to Monday, July 28.

The region said improvements will be made to that stretch of Victoria Street, including:

• Separated bike lanes and sidewalk replacement between Lawrence Avenue and Westmount Road
• Multi-use paths from Fischer-Hallman Road to Westmount Road
• Pedestrian refuge islands and traffic medians
• Upgrades to traffic signals, transit stops, shelters and lighting
• Replacing and upsizing storm sewers and underground infrastructure
• New asphalt pavement

Victoria Street not set to reopen until November.

Phase two of the project is set to begin in 2026. The region said construction work will be done on Victoria Street, between Fischer-Hallman Road and Lawrence Avenue, but will not include the intersections.

Drivers can find the planned detour on the region’s website.

Ottawa Street

Ottawa Street has already closed between Pinedale Drive and Mowat Boulevard for another improvement project.

Construction began in April and is set to wrap in November.

The region said the work will include:

• Construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Ottawa Street and Westmount Road
• Multi-use paths on Ottawa Street
• Replacement of the Moffat Creek Culvert and watermain
• Upgrading storm sewers

One nearby business said it’s already feeling the impact of the construction.

Mel’s Diner typically fills 40 tables on a Wednesday morning – but not this week.

“We understand it is a lot of traffic, it’s a lot of detours,” said server Danielle Linton. “It’s harder even coming into work. It takes even longer, so we understand, but it has affected us quite a bit… for example, I started at 9 a.m. and I’ve only had four tables, so it’s definitely slowed down.”

The restaurant, located at Ottawa and Westmount, is still accessible to traffic.

More details on the project can be found on the region’s website.