What will construction season look like in Waterloo Region?

CTV’s Colton Wiens looks into the major road projects that may impact drivers this year.

Drivers are getting an idea about what their commutes could look like for the rest of the year as “construction season” approaches.

The Region of Waterloo has shared a list of roads expected to be repaired over the coming months. According to the list, at least 30 projects are planned before the end of 2026, adding up to almost $200 million worth of work.

“Nobody really enjoys construction season, unless you work in construction,” regional councillor Chantal Huinink said during a meeting of the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee on Tuesday. “I think communication is key.”

Maintenance will be a major focus of the upcoming work.

“About 60 per cent of the planned work [will be] going towards reconstruction, resurfacing, bridge and drainage improvements as well as sidewalk and cycling upgrades,” Mathieu Goetzke, Region of Waterloo’s commissioner of transportation services, said.

One of the notable projects is reconstruction of Sportsworld Drive between King Street and Sportsworld Crossing in Kitchener. That project is slated to start in the spring and last until fall, with some lane closures expected. Elsewhere, a portion of Victoria Street between Fischer-Hallman Road and Lawrence Avenue in Kitchener will be fully closed from this summer until fall of 2027.

One of the pricier projects will happen along Lancaster Street between Union Street and Elizabeth Street. Lane closures will be in place as crews work on road reconstruction, install new watermain, sanitary and storm sewers and add cycling tracks on both sides of the street.

Queen’s Bush Road left off the list

Although there are dozens of projects on the list, there is a notable road that was left out of the plans for now.

“We were disappointed that Queen’s Bush Road wasn’t included in this year’s work,” regional councillor and Township of Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak said. “There are potholes all over the region and Queen’s Bush seems to be hit. Maybe more than appears to be more than others. There’s cold patch being put on those potholes. We know that stuff isn’t going to last. There’s going to be some hot patch maybe done later on in the year.”

Nowak wanted to see the road repaved.

“I thought it would be wiser to do the complete reshaving this year. It would probably be a little bit more cost effective to do it that way as opposed to doing the patching throughout. I wanted to point out that next year is going to be a big year for Wellesley Township. Its 175th anniversary. June is going to be a big month. There’ll be some significant events happening in June and then in the fall as well as September. So, if we can’t talk you into rethinking this reconstruction for this year, then please be mindful of those particular months next year,” he said.

Goetzke said there is some geotechnical work that is required before Queen’s Bush Road can be worked on.

Getting updates on road work

Drivers and residents can get updates on the work by going online or signing up for a text message service. By texting 57555 and a project’s unique code, which can be found on signs along the roadway, residents can get up to date information about how the work is progressing.

“A lot of the larger projects, you’re able to sign up for that and get updates via text on your mobile phone so that people can plan ahead and know what’s going on and stay informed throughout construction season,” Goetzke explained.