Northumberland County has wrapped up its summer roadwork, but there’s still some work to do on certain projects and final stages of critical infrastructure work before winter, say staff.
This summer was a busy one – the public works teams, in partnership with contractors, repaved and rehabilitated 34 kilometres of county roads, handled surface treatment for more than 100 kilometres of area roads, and advanced several key bridge and culvert projects, all with the goal of enhancing safety and accessibility, explained staff, while reflecting back on summer construction.
“Our team is proud of the accomplishments made throughout the summer season,” added Denise Marshall, the county’s director of public works. “These improvements are essential to maintaining our transportation infrastructure and preparing for future growth in Northumberland County.”
Highlights of the summer season included the start of the multi-year County Road 64 rehabilitation project in Brighton. In 2024, the rural portion of the project was the focus, which included new pavement, culvert replacements, the addition of a paved bike lane and a dedicated turtle nesting area.
Phase 2 – which will focus on the urban section of Prince Edward Street – is set to start next spring, with county staff saying planning and preparation is well underway.
Meanwhile, the Burnley Creek Bridge in Warkworth underwent concrete structure repairs and approach upgrades. The replacement of the bridge handrails is in the works.
This year, the county also got started on a two-year rehabilitation project of the Baltimore Creek retaining wall along County Road 45, north of Harwood Road.
“This critical infrastructure project will reinforce the creek embankment to prevent erosion and includes tree replacement to support environmental resilience,” explained staff.
The county is charged with maintaining a network of nearly 500 kilometres of roadways across nearly 3,000 square kilometres, in addition to 100-plus bridges and culverts. In other words, there’s still more work to do.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Work on the Baltimore Creek retaining wall project is anticipated to continue until close to December. There will be single-lane closures on County Road 45 between Limekiln Trail and Harwood Road as a result of the work.
The Hoards Station Bridge, which is located east of Campbellford on County Road 8, was also set to undergo repairs starting this week and through to Dec. 2. The repairs include the replacement of the west expansion joint that will prevent further deterioration, noted staff.
The work will mean the bridge will be reduced to a single lane, and residents are being asked to plan ahead for possible delays.
Preliminary design work is also underway for the future replacement of Burnley Bridge in Warkworth, which will replace the existing single-lane bridge with a two-lane structure in 2025, added staff, noting a public information session will come later this year where residents will be able to weigh in on the project.
“This season has demonstrated our commitment to sustainable and proactive infrastructure management,” stressed Marshall. “Northumberland County remains dedicated to maintaining a resilient and accessible road network.
“We appreciate the patience of residents and visitors during these necessary improvements, which enhance our communities’ connectivity and safety.”
Northumberland County also posts information on its ongoing infrastructure projects online.
The public works team is now also shifting focus to winter preparations.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
