Construction planning update

The City of Waterloo has tentatively selected Concept 4 (PDF) with on-road bike lanes, one-way cycle tracks with buffer and boulevard cycle tracks as the conceptual design for the reconstruction of Union Street. We are now working with our engineering consultant in the detailed design stage, addressing the various engineering challenges posed by the conceptual design and the existing conditions on Union Street. Once we have address those challenges in the design, the city will reach out to affected property owners to begin property acquisition negotiations. Once the property acquisition stage has made sufficient progress, we will hold a public information centre to present the design for public review before it is finalized.

The schedule for the overall project is not final yet, but we are certain that the work will not start in 2023. This delay allows the city further time to complete some of the complicated tasks leading up to construction, such as property acquisition and utility relocation. It also allows for the reconstruction of Herbert Street between John Street and Union Street. This project will install a new, larger and deeper storm sewer, which will help the design and construction of a new storm sewer on Union Street and allow it to be properly upsized to meet current standards. The current working schedule is for construction to occur on Phase 1 in 2024 and Phase 2 in 2025. The exact limits for Phases 1 and 2 will be determined as detailed design progresses, dependent on other required tasks such as property acquisition, utility relocation timing and coordination with other agencies (such as the Region of Waterloo and CN Rail).