Construction for uptown Waterloo makeover to start in the spring

Uptown Waterloo will be getting a makeover starting thisspring.

The city and region are working together to finalize the design for a streetscape improvement project along King Street between Erb and Elgin streets.

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Eric Saunderson, a senior project manager with the region's design and construction division, said the project started several years ago as a move to improve lighting in uptown Waterloo and replace some sidewalks.

Since then, the project has evolved into completing additional improvements such as adjusting traffic patterns and replacing some of the underground infrastructure.

"The streetscaping component of the project has evolved substantially over the past couple of years through engagement with the community," Saunderson said.

For example, what was presented to the public in 2013 included on road cycling lanes. But the cycling community expressed they wanted more separation from on road traffic.

More construction on the way

Saunderson said that some of the infrastructure in uptown Waterloo is over 100 years old andneeds to be replaced. The Erb and King Street intersection, for example, will bea major reconstruction component of the project.

The scope of the work being done includes:

• Upgrading existing stormwater and sanitary sewers.
• Watermain and underground utilities.
• Replacement of curbs, sidewalks and streetscape.
• Replacement of roadway and parking spaces.
• Segregated cycle tracks and protected intersections.
• Pedestrian light replacement.
• Adding trees, landscaping and street furniture.

Phase one of construction will start in the spring on King Street from Elgin to Erb streets and will be done in a series of stages.

BIA consulted on timeline

"We heard concerns late last year regarding the area south of Erb Street and have gone back and reviewed out over all staging of construction approach," he said.

They consulted with the city and the uptown Business Improvement Area, to figure out when to do each part of the project.

The first stage of work will start at Erb Street and be completed up to Bridgeport Road, giving businesses and the area of south of Erb Street more time and space, which Saunderson says businesses in that block have responded well to.

Phase two of the streetscape improvement project will begin in 2019, where construction will continue on King Street from Elgin Street to University Avenue.