Grand Bend motorists may notice more traffic disruptions over the next week or so as paving takes place on the Ontario Street Bridge.
Lambton Shores Director of Public Works Nick Verhoeven said the contractor is currently working on finishing touches.
"This week, [there's] a lot of paving on the east side of the bridge and then next week, the week of October 26, we'll be shifting the paving over to the west side of the bridge," he told Sarnia News Today. "Following that, there's some utility work to come with Enbridge, and some finishing touches with the bridge contractor after that."
Increased traffic delays were expected to start on Monday but a complete road closure was only anticipated to last for one day this week (it was scheduled for Tuesday but was pushed back by one day).
On Wednesday, October 21, Main Street West from Kitchener Avenue to Ontario Street and Main Street East from Ontario Street to Sauble River Road will be closed to traffic.
During the closure, motorists can access downtown Grand Bend via Oak Street, and access to Main Street East will be via a posted detour route.
"Next week, we expect some additional traffic control but those details will be posted later on this week once we have a firm schedule, just based on weather and progress, said Verhoeven.
Asphalt placement was initially scheduled to take place last week but was postponed due to rain. Overall, Verhoeven said they've been pretty fortunate with the weather conditions this fall.
Verhoeven said they appreciate people's patience regarding the replacement and widening construction project.
The two-phase project began in 2024. The first phase was completed in May 2025.
"It's definitely been a long haul [with] a lot of impacts on local residents and businesses, so we're excited to get that project wrapped up," Verhoeven said. "Excited to see how it works in the future. I think it will be a big improvement to the congestion in Grand Bend."
The project is estimated to be complete by the end of November.
A livestream of the bridge is still available on the municipality's website.
