A major reconstruction project near downtown Chatham is about to begin.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said the King Street West Reconstruction project is set to start next month.
The project includes:
Reconstruction of King Street West from Lacroix Street to Second Street, including upgrades to the underground infrastructure.
Upgrades to surface features including new asphalt pavement, concrete curbs, sidewalks, and streetlights.
Replacing the traffic signals at the King Street West and Lacroix Street intersection.
A new all-way stop at the intersection of King Street West and Second Street.
Watermain replacement along First Street from King Street West to Wellington Street.
The municipality said construction on the sanitary sewers is tentatively scheduled to start the week of August 11, 2025.
The first phase of the project will focus on King Street West from Lacroix Street to First Street and First Street from King Street West to Wellington Street.
"During this phase of work, access to both King Street West (Lacroix Street to Second Street) and First Street (King Street West to Wellington Street) will be limited to local traffic only," said the municipality.
A full closure of the King Street West and Lacroix Street intersection will be necessary for a few weeks starting on August 18, 2025 and reopened on September 8, 2025.
"This closure is necessary due to the depth and location of the sewers that need to be excavated through the intersection at the start of the project," the municipality noted.
Drivers are encouraged to use the Third Street and Keil Drive bridges during the closure of the Lacroix Street and King Street West intersection. Pedestrian access across King Street on the west side of Lacroix Street will be accommodated, said officials.
Transit Bus Route 4 will be modified to follow the detour to Harvey Street and then Inshes Avenue before returning to King Street West, they added.
Phase 1 of the project, including base asphalt and new curbs, sidewalks, and driveway approaches for the areas that were disturbed during this phase, is anticipated to be substantially completed with partial restoration in December 2025 and King Street West will be reopened to the public through the winter, the municipality noted.
The second phase of the project, including full restoration of the entire construction area, is tentatively scheduled to begin in June 2026 and will focus on King Street West from First Street to Second Street. The municipality said this phase will be completed by November 2026.
"Motorists are advised to follow construction detour signage at all times as the dates of the closures may change as work progresses. Access to all properties will be maintained throughout the project. The contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions, but there may be some inconvenience during work. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent thanks motorists for their patience during this important infrastructure work," municipal officials said.
Click here for regular construction updates and further information.
For more information on transit detours, click here.