Construction along Highway 400 in Barrie has been kicked up a notch with some closures at the Essa Road ramps.
The construction of a new interchange at Essa Road and Highway 400, including widening of Essa Road to six lanes, will see commuters and pedestrians wanting to give themselves a lot of extra time.
This project, led by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), includes significant roadwork on Highway 400, between Harvie Road and Tiffin Street, along with a widening of Essa Road to six lanes between Fairview Road and Bryne Drive/Ardagh Road.
Some significant closures are now underway, beginning last night and continuing until Friday, Aug. 25.
The southbound Highway 400 to Essa Road off-ramp is closed, with the detour being Highway 400 South, Dunlop Street West, Ferndale Drive, Ardagh Road, and Essa Road.
Also, westbound Essa Road to the southbound Highway 400 on-ramp is closed with the detours being Essa Road, Veterans Drive, Mapleview Drive, and Highway 400 South.
At least one lane in both directions will remain in place for the majority of the project, but full closures will be required at times.
The City of Barrie website asks those possibly affected to refer to project updates here for up-to-date information about traffic.
Starting June 20, 2022, pedestrian access was restricted under Highway 400 due to the closure of the sidewalk along Essa Road.
During construction, the city is planning to use the regular Barrie Transit pedestrian shuttle service to convey pedestrians through the work zone at no charge, by picking up pedestrians at the nearest bus stop to the east and west of the construction limits and dropping them on the other side.
This is expected to be in place until the end of 2024.
Anyone with questions about the construction is asked to refer to the MTO’s project website for the most current information regarding project scheduling.
