The entrance to Victoria Avenue is closed at Front Street. Construction is expected to go into November. Photo by Nikolai Karpinski, QNet News
By Nikolai Karpinski [1]
BELLEVILLE – Downtown Belleville just became easier to explore as Front Street re-opened to motorists last Thursday.
QNet News spoke with Build Belleville capital projects co-ordinator Dana Barnett, who said the street was open, but traffic may be limited to a single lane periodically, as needed. The downtown area’s main street had been closed since May for street improvements.
As Front Street opens up to vehicle traffic, Stage 4 of the City Centre Downtown Revitalization and Redevelopment [2], a part of Build Belleville, begins. This means construction will move to Victoria Avenue, closing the Front Street entrance of that street and limiting the Pinnacle Street entrance to local vehicles.
The purpose of the downtown construction project is to improve underground infrastructure under Front Street and adjacent streets. This includes the replacement of water pipes and sewers.
The project will also also improve streets and sidewalks, with clay brick pavements, new traffic lights, signals, furniture and trees.
B.J. Melnyk, co-ordinator at The Cat’s Meow Salon and Spa on Victoria Avenue, said she is excited about the construction project and its potential.
“The construction crew is fantastic,” Melnyk added. “They’re friendly and always willing to answer questions.”
Construction on Victoria Avenue is scheduled to go into November.