July 4, 2025 — As part of efforts to continue critical investments in road, active transportation, water and sewer infrastructure, Wellington Street, from Victoria Street to Front Street will be closed to traffic starting Monday, July 7, 2025.

Project outcomes

The roughly $2 million project is the second phase of work that took place on Wellington from Veterans Park to Brock Street in 2024. The project will deliver on several infrastructure priorities, including combined sewer separation; water service renewal; active transportation; pedestrian and traffic safety; and intersection improvements.

Combined sewer separation

The project includes separation of approximately 200 metres of combined sewers. Combined sewers gather both stormwater and sewage into a single pipe. When large volumes of rain occur, rainwater enters combined sewers and can cause them to fill beyond their capacity resulting into backups into basements, or releases of sewage into the environment as volume overwhelms infrastructure. Separate sewer and stormwater infrastructure prevents extreme rain from overburdening sewage pipes during heavy rainfalls, limiting the risk of backups and releases into the environment. Combined sewer separation is an important effort in creating a more resilient stormwater system that can better handle extreme weather events.

Traffic safety and intersection improvements

The project will include several improvements to the Wellington Street intersections at both Christina Street and Front Street meant to calm vehicular traffic, enhance pedestrian safety and beautify the area. Intersection improvements include:

  • Intersection bump-outs and reduced pedestrian crossing distances at Christina Street and Front Street
  • AODA compliant intersection design
  • Paving stone intersections at Christina Street and Front Street
  • Raised intersection at Front Street
  • A new design for Veteran’s Crosswalk with input from the Sarnia Legion

Active transportation improvements

The project will include the installation of raised bicycle lanes on Wellington Street from Victoria to Front, continuing lanes installed as part of Wellington Street Phase 1 in 2024.

Providing infrastructure that supports active transportation is a key priority identified within the City’s Official Plan and Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP). Installing dedicated cycling infrastructure improves safety for cyclists and reduces barriers to active transportation for residents that are not comfortable cycling in vehicle lanes.

The corridor is specifically identified for the addition of bike lanes as part of the ATMP proposed cycling network.

Water and sewer infrastructure

The project includes the installation of new watermains, storm sewer and sanitary sewer, in addition to new water, storm and sanitary services to homes and businesses.

Traffic impacts

Starting July 7, Wellington Street will be closed to through traffic from Victoria Street to Front Street.

Starting Thursday, July 10, both the intersections at Front and Christina will be closed to all traffic, including north-south traffic on Christina and Front.

Project timeline

The project involves considerable underground and road work that will require an extended closure. Work is expected to take several months and last into the fall. We appreciate our residents’ patience as we work to renew infrastructure in the community.

Project funding

This project is 40 per cent funded by through a grant from the Government of Canada Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.