Thunder Bay Road Work Ahead: City Outlines May Construction Impacts
THUNDER BAY — The City of Thunder Bay is advising residents to prepare for road closures, lane reductions, sidewalk work and infrastructure projects affecting drivers, cyclists and pedestrians through May and into the early summer construction season.
The city says it is investing about $60 million in 2026 to maintain, improve and expand roads, bridges, sidewalks, trails, watermains and other public infrastructure. The work is needed, but residents should expect delays, detours and construction equipment in several areas.
Construction Updates to Continue Monthly
The city says its “Road Work Ahead” updates will be shared near the beginning of each month for the remainder of the construction season.
Residents can find more information, including a live construction project map and a full list of 2026 projects, at thunderbay.ca/ConstructionProjects.
The city is reminding motorists to slow down, watch for workers and drive with extra care in construction zones. Project schedules are subject to change.
Road Reconstruction Projects
Cumberland Street, Pearl Street to Red River Road
Work is expected to start in early June. Underground infrastructure and streetscape will be fully replaced. The roadway will be fully closed between Pearl Street and Red River Road. Pedestrian access to local businesses will be maintained.
Dufferin Street, Dixon Street to High Street
Work is expected to start in early June. The road will be fully closed for underground infrastructure work and resurfacing. Pedestrian access will remain available.
College Street, Red River Road to Hebert Street
Work is expected to begin in late May. College Street will be fully closed between Red River Road and Hebert Street for underground infrastructure replacement and road reconstruction. Sidewalk access will remain available.
Road Rehabilitation Projects
Arthur Street West, Highway 61 to Parkdale Boulevard
Work is underway, with completion expected in early June. Traffic lanes will be reduced for asphalt resurfacing. Sidewalks will remain open.
Ottawa Street, Chilton Avenue to Morgan Avenue
Work is underway, with completion expected by mid-July. Local access is permitted. Work includes drainage improvements and asphalt resurfacing.
Morgan Avenue, dead end to Terminal Street
Work is underway, with completion expected by mid-July. Local access is permitted. Work includes drainage improvements and asphalt resurfacing.
Sifton Avenue, Arthur Street to Terminal Street
Work is underway, with completion expected by mid-July. Local access is permitted. Work includes drainage improvements and asphalt resurfacing.
Terminal Street, Morgan Avenue to Wilroy Avenue
Work is underway, with completion expected by mid-July. Local access is permitted. Work includes asphalt resurfacing.
Terminal Street, Sifton Avenue to Chilton Avenue
Work is underway, with completion expected by mid-July. Local access is permitted. Work includes asphalt resurfacing.
Wilroy Avenue, Arthur Street to Terminal Street
Work is underway, with completion expected by mid-July. Local access is permitted. Work includes drainage improvements and asphalt resurfacing.
Innovation Drive, Golf Links Road to Premier Way
Work is underway, with completion expected in July. Innovation Drive is closed for road network improvements. Innova Park remains accessible through Central Avenue and the Harbour Expressway.
Junot Avenue South, Red River Road to Walkover Street
Work is expected to start in mid-May and be completed in one day. The road will be closed between Red River Road and Walkover Street for asphalt resurfacing. Drivers should use alternate routes.
High Street, Tupper Street to Van Norm Street
Completion is expected by mid-June. A final lift of paving will be applied, with intermittent road closures expected.
Sidewalk Construction
High Street, Tupper Street to Van Norm Street
Sidewalk work is expected to be completed by mid-June. Intermittent sidewalk closures are possible.
Cumberland Street, Tupper Street to the roundabout
Work is underway, with completion expected by the end of June. Sidewalk and landscaping work will continue. Sidewalks on both sides of Cumberland Street will be closed intermittently for removal. Lane closures may be in place, but through traffic will be permitted.
Bridge, Culvert and Stormwater Work
Innova Park Stormwater Management
Work is underway, with completion expected in June. A new stormwater management facility is being built, including new storm sewers and ditching near Golf Links Road and the Harbour Expressway.
The public is asked to use caution, as construction equipment may be present. Residents should follow posted signage and directions from site personnel.
Drainage Channel, Oliver Road to Ray Boulevard
Construction of a new drainage channel between Oliver Road and Ray Boulevard is underway, with completion expected in June.
Workers will access the site from Ray Boulevard and Ravenwood Avenue within the Oliver Road Recreation Centre parking lot. Public access to Ray Boulevard and Ravenwood Avenue will remain available.
The city is advising residents to use caution when accessing the baseball diamonds between Ravenwood Avenue and Ray Boulevard, as construction equipment may be present in the parklands north of the area.
What This Means for Thunder Bay Residents
The May construction schedule affects several key travel corridors and neighbourhood streets, including routes used by commuters, transit users, cyclists, pedestrians, delivery drivers and local businesses.
Residents should allow extra travel time, plan alternate routes where closures are in place, and remain alert around workers and equipment. Businesses in construction areas may remain accessible by sidewalk even when roads are closed.
