Belleville has set the plan in motion to widen Bell Boulevard west and improve Sidney Street, as development in the city heads that way.
At a special meeting on Tuesday, city council heard a report from Deputy Director of Engineering Ray Ford outlining the contract for widening the corridor, and improvements to Sidney Street as it comes north to Bell Boulevard.
In his report Ford said, “The widening of Bell Boulevard from two to four lanes west of Sidney will ensure safe access and increased traffic capacity for current and proposed future developments.
The work includes traffic lights, sidewalk and an active transportation path out past Shorelines Casino Belleville.
The traffic signals will be at the casino and Hanna Court.
When questioned by councillors, Ford indicated the new four lanes would go “halfway” to Wallbridge-Loyalist Road and “that last stretch would be done in the future when development occurs.”
Mayor Mitch Panciuk tells Quinte News how important it is for the city.
Belleville city council, February 18, 2020 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
And the prospect of Costco coming to Bell Boulevard was an important factor.
Councillor Paul Carr commented, “We have to lay the infrastructure down first and development will follow. We’ve done our part to make that happen.”
And Councillor Sean Kelly said, “This is a Godsend to the city.”
The project also includes installation of turning lanes at Jenland Way.
There will be a realignment of Sidney Street/Tracey Street/Tracey Park Drive intersection to eliminate the “jog.”
The contract was awarded to Gordon Barr Limited, which had the lowest tender of five bids, at $17.6 million, plus tax to a total of $19.6 million.
The project will be built over two construction seasons, beginning this spring.
Work on Bell Boulevard, including the Boulevard-Sidney Street intersection is to be completed this year with some carry-over work on Bell Boulevard and all of the Sidney Street planned work in 2021.
