Construction on Big Bay Point Road raises questions: Why wasn't it done during 2021 reconstruction?

CTV News

2 days ago

Traffic is down to one lane in each direction along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade.
Drivers along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie will notice lane reductions this week as the City begins major water main work between Bayview Drive and Huronia Road — a busy stretch that was already under construction just a few years ago.
The question on the minds of many now is, why wasn't the water main work done in 2021 when the road was completely overhauled and widened to five lanes?
In an email sent to CTV News, the City explained that the full extent of the declining condition of the water main wasn't evident during the road project four years ago.
'Recent assessments identified corrosion and deterioration on parts of a large water main, which presents risk of significant failures,' wrote Scott Lamantia with the City of Barrie.
The City says this stretch of pipe is now being relined as a precaution, to avoid future issues and reduce the risk of a major break.
Big Bay Point Road construction
Traffic is bumper to bumper along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade.
(CTV News Barrie)
While motorists who dealt with the delays the last time around will be frustrated with the return of pylons, single lanes, and construction crews, the City says decisions around timing are made through careful planning.
'The City has significant infrastructure needs related to roads, sewers, water mains and other infrastructure,' the email continues. 'As staff prepare the capital plan we consider a number of factors, including lifecycle of the related assets, timing and sequencing.'
Officials acknowledged the inconvenience to the public but say some disruptions are inevitable when maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure.
'While we always aim to minimize disruption to the traveling public, we recognize there is a certain amount of inconvenience that is unavoidable in order to ensure our infrastructure is renewed or expanded in a timely manner,' the City added.
Big Bay Point Road construction
Traffic is down to one lane in each direction along Big Bay Point Road in Barrie, Ont., on Thurs., July 23, 2025, as construction gets underway on a water infrastructure upgrade.
(CTV News Barrie)
The current water main work began on Thursday and will continue for several months. One lane in each direction will remain open, but motorists will have to pack their patience as traffic may be slower in the area during peak hours.
The city is urging motorists to plan extra time or take alternate routes if possible.
The project is expected to be completed by December.