Starting Tuesday, November 12, Portage Avenue East will undergo a weeklong full closure in both directions. The closure, part of pre-construction traffic signals work at the intersection, will temporarily lift on November 16 to accommodate the annual Santa Claus Parade.
Local access to the Fairmont Hotel and surrounding surface lots will be maintained via Lombard Street during the closure. The underground work being undertaken during this period is to prepare for the demolition of concrete barricades and other major construction.
Further details on construction staging and associated traffic impacts will be released prior to the start of major construction, anticipated in November. The upcoming work aims to significantly enhance the intersection’s operation for the safe movement of pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists. Planned improvements include:
- Demolishing and removing existing barrier walls
- Installing new traffic signals and streetlights
- Adding a curb extension on the southeast corner for shorter pedestrian crossings and more pedestrian space
- Repairing and adjusting existing medians
- Installing new curbs and sidewalks to accommodate pedestrian crossings on all four corners
The construction is expected to be substantially complete by June 20, 2025, and fully completed by June 27, 2025.
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