Barrie investing $100M in road construction and infrastructure improvements

The City of Barrie announced continuing road improvements and infrastructure upgrades this summer, with the goal of making it easier for residents to get around the city.

“City Council is making significant investment in our roads – a total of over $100 million will be invested in infrastructure improvements, new road construction, and repaving projects in Barrie this year,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “In 2025, we’re undertaking 27 construction projects, as well as paving 42 kilometres of roadway. With every project completed, we’re laying the foundation for a more vibrant, accessible, and thriving community.”

The major road construction projects starting soon, currently happening or wrapping up in Barrie include:

  • Bayview Drive transportation improvements
    Construction work continues this year on Bayview Drive, between Little Avenue and Big Bay Point Road, including lane widening, infrastructure replacements, new bike lanes, and a new sidewalk. The project remains on track for completion in 2026.
  • Duckworth Street improvements & Grove Street East watermain
    Construction is nearing completion for this multi-year project, with finishing touches underway.  This project provides a new watermain, sewer replacements, new sidewalks, new pavement, intersection upgrades, and road widening.
  • Dunlop Street bridge replacement
    Preparations are progressing for this multi-year initiative, led by the Ministry of Transportation. This project will include a full bridge replacement and interchange reconfiguration at Highway 400 and is expected to take approximately four years to complete.
  • Eugenia Street reconstruction & Wellington D1 neighbourhood reconstruction program
    This neighbourhood project is well underway and replaces aging underground infrastructure, deteriorating roads, and expands the water network to support future growth. It is on track for completion in 2026.
  • Essa Road interchange & Highway 400 overpass replacement 
    This Ministry of Transportation project is nearing completion with a widened road and a new highway overpass. These improvements will enhance traffic flow in the south end and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Completion is expected by the end of 2025.
  • Huronia Road transportation improvements & trunk sanitary sewer
    Preparations are underway for major transportation and infrastructure upgrades along Huronia Road. This project will widen the corridor and add a new trunk sanitary sewer between Lockhart Road and the southern city limit. Early work has begun, with full construction expected to ramp up later this summer.
  • Mapleview Drive East transportation improvements
    The stretch between Yonge Street and Prince William Way is being widened to four lanes, with new multi-use trails added on both sides. As a key transportation corridor, these upgrades will support Barrie’s growth and make it easier for everyone to move through the east end. Completion is expected by Spring 2028.
  • Queens Park A1 neighbourhood reconstruction program
    In the Queens Park neighbourhood, work continues to replace some of Barrie’s oldest infrastructure and includes road upgrades, new underground services, and the relocation of the Sophia Creek culvert. Completion is expected in 2026.
  • Sophia trunk storm sewers (Owen & Sophia)
    This multi-year upgrade along Owen Street and Sophia Street East will help reduce the risk of flooding downtown by replacing aging stormwater infrastructure. Construction will continue in phases until Summer 2027, with road closures shifting as the work progresses.

Several road resurfacing projects will also be completed this year to proactively prevent deterioration and costly repairs.

Featured image: Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. (City of Barrie)

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