Construction update: Spring 2024
The multi-use pathway on Margaret Street and Otto Street was completed in fall 2023, and has quickly become the busiest section of the Downtown Cycling Grid.
The final phase of construction is now underway, on key portions of Duke Street, connecting to existing cycling infrastructure on Water Street and Cedar Street, as well as providing access to public transit and the future transit hub. Construction is expected to take until the end of 2024.
Phase 1: Duke Street from Victoria Street to Water Street
Work on this stage includes: underground utility relocations within the roadway, new curb and gutter, new roadway asphalt, new driveway ramps, and new 3.0 metre wide bidirectional cycle tracks next to the sidewalk on the south side only. Please note: there will be periodic closures of the separated bike lanes on Water Street to accommodate construction of a new protected intersection.
Phase 2: Duke Street from Frederick Street to Cedar Street
Work on this stage includes: underground utility relocations within the roadway, new curb and gutter, new roadway asphalt, new driveway ramps, and new 3.0 metre wide bidirectional cycle tracks next to the sidewalk on the south side only.
To see the new street design, please see the construction drawings for Duke Street.
We look forward to wrapping up construction this year and formally celebrating this transformative project in spring 2025!
This project has concluded. On Dec 14, 2020 Kitchener City Council approved the downtown cycling grid, connecting the downtown core to adjacent neighbourhoods and regional cycling arteries. Public consultation showed a strong desire for better-connected cycling options downtown and for more people-friendly transportation options. The population in downtown continues to grow at a rapid pace in the downtown and many are looking for greater mode choice. The pandemic has also highlighted the demand for high quality cycling facilities as we adjust to the new norm. A downtown grid was identified as a necessary step in connecting Kitchener’s neighbourhoods together, and the community identified their preference of which streets would receive cycling upgrades in the downtown. Changes were made to the plan as a result of the latest round of communication, including changes to Joseph, Duke, Ontario and Water Streets.
