3 years of construction for downtown revitalization starts next month in Brampton

It will take over three years of construction and more than $22.5 million to complete the city’s plans to bring new traffic lights, upgraded roads and other improvements to downtown Brampton.

Brampton’s Downtown Revitalization Streetscape Project has been in the works for years and will see upgrades like new traffic signals at six downtown intersections, refurbished roads and sidewalks with granite pavers, more public spaces, and a new bike path.

Rising construction costs have seen the project’s price tag jump some $6.5 million in recent months, and a timeline on the project released by the city on Monday shows the work is expected to stretch until December 2027.

“This project is a key element in the Council-approved plan to revitalize the downtown core, aimed at enhancing public spaces, supporting business growth and improving the quality of life for residents,” the city said in a release.

The work will be done in phases at various times between 2024 and 2027, with segmented closures. Roadways in the revitalization area will be narrowed to one lane in each direction and the pavement will be resurfaced.

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Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays with additional work after hours and on weekends as required, the city says.

Traffic during construction will be reduced to one lane in the active construction zone.

“Expect delays and increased traffic on nearby main and side streets,” the city says. “Motorists are reminded to be mindful of sharing lanes with bicycles and to drive with caution around other road users.”

Access to downtown businesses will be maintained throughout the construction period, but there will be road and sidewalk restrictions within the work zone to ensure safety while access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

The streetscaping project got more than $16 million in funding from the city in 2021, but a report to council showed the price of materials, construction and design work ballooned to an additional $6,515,000 in costs.

Some $2.5 million of the additional costs come from the increased price of granite materials, while another $2.8 million is required for the construction of new traffic signals. The increases also included $700,000 for the replacement of streetlight power lines. and $365,000 in design and construction contingency.

The city says overhead power lines need to be replaced with underground utilities lines “as an upgrade within the boulevard as part of the new streetscape” – a move that will “minimize disruptions” to residents and businesses, and cut down on costs “by integrating the work into the existing project.”

Downtown Brampton businesses have been dealing with construction and rolling closures due to ongoing watermain work, leading the city to launch a Downtown Construction Mitigation Grant to make $150,000 in grants available to businesses in the Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area.

The city is also looking to transform the Heritage Block “into a hub of activity” with arts and culture attractions, restaurants, more businesses and additional housing to meet the needs in the downtown.