While reconstruction work on Main Street West in Hawkesbury has been postponed to 2027 due to expected heavy truck traffic in the months ahead involving further environmental work on the former Canadian International Paper (CIP) site, two streets in the downtown area will be repaved in the weeks ahead.
On June 22, Hawkesbury Town Council awarded a contract valued at $405,537.80 including sales tax to Cornwall Gravel for repaving on John and William streets.
The section of John Street to be paved is the high-traffic section between Le Chenail Boulevard and Main Street East. William Street connects Main Street East to Higginson Street and is also a well-used route between the downtown area, sports complex, hospital, and residential neighbourhoods.
Additionally, if resources permit, Main Street East between William and John Streets may also be repaved.
A report prepared by staff for Council indicates that both William and John streets are in serious need of repair, and no additional work is currently required on underground infrastructure such as water or sewer mains. Main Street East in the downtown area is also very rough. The report identifies that since the Main Street West project has been delayed to 2027, the additional financial resources are available for these paving projects.
Mayor Robert Lefebvre remarked that both John and William streets need a lot of attention. He said their condition worsened after last winter.
Councillor Jeanne Charlebois said the road work will certainly be appreciated by residents and hoped that the section of Main Street is also part of the paving project.
