Phase 2b of the Paris Downtown Dig project will begin on Thursday, June 5, affecting Grand River Street North between Mechanic Street and the Nith River Bridge.
Work is scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m., and vehicle access along that section of Grand River Street North will be closed throughout Phase 2b. Broadway Street and Mechanic Street will remain open to local traffic, ensuring continued access to businesses and parking facilities.
Phase 2a, which commenced on May 5, covers Grand River Street North between William Street and Mechanic Street.
That segment will remain closed to all vehicle traffic for the duration of the 2025 construction season. Signage has been posted to assist drivers and pedestrians with navigation, and pedestrian routes will be maintained but may shift depending on construction activity.
Parking along Grand River Street North between William Street and the Nith River Bridge will be unavailable during all of Phase 2.
In addition, Parking Lot #3, located south of the Cenotaph, will be closed to the public and used as a staging area. Minor parking impacts are also expected on Mechanic Street while work is underway.
To reduce disruptions and maintain business access, the County of Brant has established two detour routes.
Motorists traveling to southwest Paris or accessing Highway 403 from north Paris should follow the West Paris Bypass: Silver Street to Keg Lane, then Brant-Oxford Road to Puttown Road, and finally King Edward Street.
Local and downtown traffic should follow the in-town detour: King Edward Street to Dundas Street West/East, then Willow Street to William Street. County staff will monitor these routes, and traffic calming measures will be in place to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Emergency and Protective Services have implemented plans to ensure adequate coverage in north Paris during construction. Officials emphasize that timelines are subject to change due to weather or operational conditions; further updates will be posted as they become available.
Residents and visitors are urged to plan for possible delays, use caution around construction zones, and continue to patronize downtown businesses.
For the latest maps, detour information, and project updates, consult the Downtown Dig page at brant.ca/DowntownDig or follow “The Downtown Dig” on Facebook and Instagram.868
