The following is an update on the Walton Street Reconstruction project, including the status of the mid-block crossing and the proposed traffic lane reopening on Walton Street at Queen Street for one-way access.
Mid-block crossing update: Jazz Festival Weekend
This weekend – with the Jazz Festival taking place Downtown – a temporary mid-block crossing will be installed across Walton Street near Ontario Street from Friday evening through Monday morning to accommodate the increased pedestrian traffic during the event. The crossing will be removed on Monday so that construction activity can continue.
Mid-block crossing for the remainder of the project
At the start of the Walton Street Reconstruction project, a temporary mid-block crossing was installed near the Ontario and Walton Street intersection to facilitate pedestrian movement while the street and sidewalks are closed. This crossing was intended to provide easier access across Walton Street during the initial phases of construction.
As the project has advanced and the work has become more complex, the mid-block crossing had to be removed. The construction zone requires full access for crews to move equipment and vehicles efficiently throughout the site. With multiple construction teams often working simultaneously, the entire area is needed to ensure the project progresses smoothly.
The Municipality has been actively advocating for the reinstallation of a mid-block crossing, even if available only on weekends or in an alternate location. However, due to the ongoing construction demands and the time and resources required for installation, it has not been feasible to reintroduce a permanent crossing. The temporary crossing noted above during the Jazz Festival weekend is the only planned installation at this time.
The Municipality remains committed to exploring options and opportunities for Walton Street access and increased pedestrian connectivity as the project continues into the Fall.
Proposed traffic lane re-opening on Queen Street
Initially, the construction plans for the Walton Street project included the eventual partial reopening of Queen Street to allow one-way traffic from Queen onto Walton and across the Walton Street bridge to Mill Street. However, as the project has progressed, the construction team has determined that this is no longer feasible. The roadway has been graded to direct rainwater into newly installed structures designed to help mitigate flooding in the basements of Walton Street buildings and businesses. With these structures currently open, it is unsafe for both vehicles and pedestrians to navigate the construction area west of the bridge.
Additionally, large blue standpipes used for water main commissioning are blocking the site.
If an opportunity arises to allow for increased traffic flow from Queen Street to Walton Street, the Municipality will promptly share that information with the public.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
