The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is preparing to launch a major infrastructure project on King Street West in Chatham, with construction scheduled to begin the week of August 11, 2025.
The King Street West Reconstruction Project will see extensive upgrades from Lacroix Street to Second Street, including underground infrastructure improvements, new asphalt pavement, concrete curbs, sidewalks and streetlights. The work also includes replacing the traffic signals at King Street West and Lacroix Street, and introducing a new all-way stop at the intersection of King Street West and Second Street. Watermain replacement will also take place along First Street from King Street West to Wellington Street.
Henry Heyink Construction Ltd. has been contracted to complete the work, which will be carried out in two phases over two years.
The first phase, set for 2025, will focus on King Street West from Lacroix Street to First Street and on First Street from King Street West to Wellington Street. During this time, access to King Street West between Lacroix and Second streets, as well as First Street between King and Wellington, will be restricted to local traffic only.
A full closure of the intersection at King Street West and Lacroix Street is scheduled to begin Monday, August 18, and will remain in place until Monday, September 8. The closure is necessary due to deep sanitary sewer work at the intersection. Motorists are advised to use the Keil Drive and Third Street bridges during the closure. Pedestrian access across King Street on the west side of Lacroix Street will remain available.
Transit users should note that Bus Route 4 will be detoured during this time, using Harvey Street and Inshes Avenue to rejoin King Street West.
By December 2025, Phase 1 is expected to be substantially complete, with new curbs, base asphalt, sidewalks and driveway approaches in place for the areas impacted by construction. King Street West will reopen to traffic for the winter months.
The second phase of the project, scheduled for 2026, will focus on King Street West between First and Second streets and include full restoration of the entire construction area. This work is tentatively set to begin in June 2026 and wrap up by November.
Motorists are reminded to follow posted detour signs as timelines may shift based on construction progress. Property access will be maintained throughout the project, though some disruptions may occur. Municipal officials thank residents and commuters for their patience and cooperation during this important infrastructure upgrade.
For ongoing updates, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/constructionprojects. For information on transit detours, visit Ride CK.
