Op-Ed: A busy road construction season in Greater Sudbury
November 21, 2024
Whether you're driving, biking, or walking, our roads and sidewalks are the lifelines that keep Greater Sudbury moving. These vital networks don’t just get us to work or school—they connect us to parks, shops, and recreational spaces that make our city unique. I understand how important it is to have safe, efficient, and modern roadways. That’s why Council and staff have worked hard to take on ambitious projects with excellent results.
Our focus has been clear: repair damaged roads, upgrade critical infrastructure, and plan for the future. In 2024 alone, we launched approximately 66 road projects, with many already completed. By the end of August, we had invested $40 million in road construction. The impact of that investment is clear when you travel throughout the city—from the Bridge of Nations and newly reopened Nelson Street Pedestrian Bridge to the Kingsway and beyond like our work on MR15, Dominion Drive, Crescent and Ormsby Ave in Capreol, the Lasalle/Elisabella Industrial Area and more. These upgrades were long overdue, but they’ll help our roads handle more traffic and last longer, ensuring a smoother, safer experience for all of us.
Maintenance has been another top priority. So far, we’ve filled approximately 60,000 potholes this season. Alongside that, we’re modernizing our infrastructure with critical upgrades, such as new stormwater drains to prevent flooding and updated underground water and sewage systems. By tackling these challenges now, we’re protecting homes and businesses from potential future damage while preparing for the city's growth.
Our efforts extend beyond the roadways. We've expanded bike lanes along the Paris/Notre Dame Bikeway and other areas across the city, and we’ve added pedestrian-friendly features. These changes make it safer and easier for residents to opt for active transportation—whether biking to work or walking the kids to school. Creating a more walkable, bike-friendly city benefits everyone by promoting better health, reducing traffic, and protecting the environment.
These projects reflect our commitment to making Greater Sudbury more accessible, livable, and appealing for all. I know construction can be inconvenient—believe me, I understand. That’s why we’ve worked closely with local businesses and residents to minimize disruptions, completing many projects ahead of schedule and regularly communicating updates and alternate routes. Your patience throughout this process has been invaluable, and I’m thrilled to see the positive outcomes we’ve achieved together.
But our work is far from finished. As Greater Sudbury continues to grow and evolve, so too must our investment in safe, efficient roads. Our four-year capital plan which includes $257.3 million for road construction to repair and maintain our transportation network and the 1.5% special capital infrastructure levy to support the renewal of local and arterial roads, will deliver significant benefits for everyone in our community. I want to take a moment to thank City Council, our dedicated staff, and contractors for their commitment and hard work. Together, we’re building a city we can all be proud of.
In the coming weeks, I ask for your continued patience as we wrap up the construction season. I know it can be challenging, but these short-term inconveniences are paving the way for a better, safer infrastructure—something we all deserve. Together, we’re investing in the future of our city, and I’m confident the progress we’re making will bring lasting benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we continue to improve Greater Sudbury. With the accomplishments we’ve seen this year, I’m excited for what we’ll achieve next.