July 20, 2026
- The open-cut sanitary sewer installation on McKay Road East is complete. Two deep microtunnelling shafts have been constructed and are ready for the sanitary sewer installation.
- Base course asphalt has been placed on McKay Road East from Huronia Road to the Barrie Collingwood Railway.
- The open-cut watermain installation on McKay Road east of Highway 400 has been completed. The next stage of work will involve the open-cut watermain installation west of Highway 400.
- Road closure details are available at barrie.ca/RoadClosures.
May 27, 2026
- Road reconstruction activities are currently underway west of Huronia Road and will continue progressing over the coming weeks.
- The sanitary sewer installation by open excavation is anticipated to be completed by Friday, May 29, 2026.
- Construction of the microtunnelling shafts is also underway, with the second shaft nearing completion.
- Road closure details are available at barrie.ca/RoadClosures.
March 17, 2026
Tree removal works will take place over the next few weeks at the Highway 400 and McKay Road East intersection, and are anticipated to be completed by April 1. Lane reductions may occur at times to accommodate the removal activities. Traffic control measures will be in place to guide motorists safely through the work areas.
January 19, 2026
The City, in coordination with the contractor, has identified an opportunity to advance both project stages by maintaining a full road closure throughout 2026. This approach improves construction efficiency and enhances site safety, while avoiding repeated closures and minimizing ongoing disruption to motorists, pedestrians, and nearby residents. A January 2026 info bulletin was distributed to nearby residents.
The original plan anticipated reopening McKay Road East on January 23, 2026, followed by additional closures later in the year. Through further schedule review, the project team identified efficiencies that allow Stage 1 and Stage 2 works, described below, to proceed concurrently. As a result, the full road closure must be extended to support continuous construction and reduce overall impacts. Road closure details are available at barrie.ca/RoadClosures.
Construction Stages
- Stage 1 works includes constructing approximately 550m of new sanitary trunk sewer on McKay Road East (between the west side of the Huronia Road intersection and east limit of Barrie-Collingwood Railway) along with associated excavation, installation, and restoration activities to support the corridor infrastructure improvements.
- Stage 2 works include excavating and constructing shafts within the McKay Road East right-of-way, installing approximately 1,800m of new sanitary sewer by microtunnelling, followed by backfilling and full road restoration.
November 20, 2025
The contractor will begin Stage 1 sanitary sewer installation on McKay Road East, between the west side of the Huronia Road intersection and the driveway of 222 McKay Road East.
During this stage, McKay Road East from Veteran’s to Huronia is expected to be fully closed to through traffic from November 27, 2025, to January 23, 2026. Residents and businesses will only be able to access McKay Road East from Veteran’s. Only local traffic will be permitted between the work zone and Veteran’s Drive. Detour signage will be installed to guide motorists around the closure. There will be no through access for any vehicles, including emergency services. Details will be posted at barrie.ca/RoadClosures.
October 23, 2025
An October 2025 info bulletin has been distributed to nearby properties. The contractor has retained the services of OZA Inspections Limited (OZA) to complete a precondition survey of the exterior and interior of all properties within the project limit. Residents should expect a letter from the City and OZA to book a pre-condition survey appointment.
October 15, 2025
All civil work for utility relocations on McKay Road have been completed. Remaining Vianet fiber relocation works continue at the intersection of McKay Road and Huronia Road.
Project construction is expected to begin this month, with completion targeted for Spring 2028.
September 2, 2025
Utility relocation work is currently underway on McKay Road:
- Bell Fiber Optic Relocations: Civil works are completed. Fiber splicing will follow. Anticipated completion is end of October 2025.
- Vianet Fiber Optic Relocation: Civil works are completed. Cable installation will follow. Anticipated completion is end of October 2025.
- Enbridge Gas Relocation: Work is expected to be complete at end of October 2025. During the Enbridge gas relocation, you may notice an odour like rotten eggs. This is normal and caused by an odourant used during the pipe installation process to detect leaks and ensure safety.
June 20, 2025
Planview Utility Services, on behalf of Bell Media, is undertaking utility relocation work on McKay Road near Huronia Road. Short-duration traffic interruptions may occur during this work. The relocation will take place in two phases:
- Phase 1: Civil works by Planview Utility Services
- Phase 2: Fibre splicing and move over from old to new by Bell Media
February 26, 2025
The City has retained EXP to conduct additional geotechnical investigations in the area. As part of this work, drilling activities are scheduled to begin during the week of March 10, subject to weather and site conditions.
Residents can expect to see an increase in construction-related activity along McKay Road, including the presence of drilling equipment and work crews. Every effort will be made to minimize disruptions, and appropriate safety measures will be in place throughout the duration of the work.
March 6, 2024
The scope for this project has been adjusted. The McKay transportation improvements will be completed when the McKay/Highway 400 interchange works are underway. The City anticipates grade changes are needed to account for the overpass and associated ramps. To avoid re-doing work and get the best value, the road improvements will be made as part of the interchange project instead.
The sanitary and watermain works are currently moving ahead. The watermain and trunk sanitary sewer design is being restarted. Property acquisitions and geotechnical works will be underway this spring.
The sanitary and watermain works will be completed in alignment with Huronia Road Transportation Improvements & Trunk Sanitary Sewer project, due to the site proximity and associated works.
