The next $10-million-plus phase of the Prince Edward Street/County Road 64 reconstruction project is getting underway in Brighton.
A joint project between Northumberland County and the Municipality of Brighton, on the to-do list for this construction season is replacement of underground sewers and watermains, new/upgraded sidewalks, installation of pedestrian crossovers and cycling lanes, intersection improvements and other traffic calming measures, as well as full asphalt repaving.
Area residents – or folks travelling along Prince Edward – can expect impacts starting Monday, June 16 as the second phase of construction ramps up.
In terms of the latest, as of Monday, Harbour Street – between County Road 64 and Mill Pond Court – will be closed for about two-three weeks.
According to municipal and county officials, this is necessary to tackle underground water main and stormwater drainage upgrades.
After this, Harbour Street is slated to reopen “immediately”– but Prince Edward will then be closed between Harbour and Cedar streets for what is anticipated to be the remainder of the summer. Traffic will be detoured via Cedar Street.
And while it’s going to be a disruptive summer, area officials continue to echo that the project will have significant long-term benefits.
“This project is a major investment in Brighton’s infrastructure, with benefits to the broader county road network,” reiterated Peter Deshane, the county’s manager of infrastructure. “Together, with the Municipality of Brighton, we are building a better road ahead – improving transportation safety and accessibility, renewing essential underground services, and supporting long-term growth in the region.”
As previously reported, work on this multi-year reconstruction project started last year focusing on the rural stretch of 64 and is anticipated to continue into next year, when the most urban portion of Prince Edward will be tackled.
For residents living in the construction zone, they will continue to have access to their properties, John Gooding, Brighton’s public works manager, is continuing to assure citizens.
Work slated for the 2025 construction season will be limited to the roadway, added Gooding.
“While there will be some temporary traffic impacts and detours, we’re committed to keeping disruptions to a minimum, and ensuring local access is maintained throughout the project.”
After tackling Harbour to Cedar streets, work will shift north towards Loyalist Drive and stretch into the fall, resulting in the intersection at Prince Edward and Stephen Street being closed. The detour for traffic in this instance will be through Stephen to Loyalist.
Officials noted that the goal is ultimately to roll out work in stages with hopes of limiting disruption.
In terms of final curb, sidewalk and paving work, as well as landscaping and any other “finishing touches,” this work will follow in late fall. No full road closures are planned, but there will be lane restrictions.
“We recognize that this work may cause inconvenience and thank residents and businesses for their patience,” added Deshane, “These upgrades are a critical step in building a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.”
The remaining work up to Elizabeth Street is scheduled for 2026.
Residents looking to stay up-to-date on the project are encouraged to keep an eye on the dedicated project webpage or email transportationdept@northumberland.ca.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
