Motorists are being asked to steer clear of the intersection of Nelson Street and Front Street as part of an ongoing reconstruction project.
The City of Sarnia said the intersection will be closed as of August 5. Construction Manager Robert Williams said they expect to have the area closed to traffic for about a month.
"There are a lot of factors that go into it. We're excavating and tying onto a large diameter watermain," he said. "We're extending a new sanitary and storm sewer out of the intersection and then we'll be rebuilding the tracks with an improved [rail] crossing, and then we'll try to get everything paved and open before Labour Day."
The Nelson Street reconstruction project, between Front Street and Christina Street, started in early June.
City council awarded the roughly $1.7 million contract to Schouten Excavating Inc. during its March 3 meeting.
While through traffic is not permitted on Nelson Street, all local businesses remain open and there is access for residents.
"Reconstruction on the east end of the road is basically complete with curbs, new watermain and sewer, they finished the sidewalk [on July 31]," Williams said. "The project [is being] completed in two phases, which is based on the sewer outlets. So the west end of the project now includes Front Street to Water Street."
Williams said they initially wanted to start the project in May but a cold and wet spring delayed most road projects across the city.
Weather conditions this summer also posed some challenges.
"I think everyone is struggling a little bit with productivity -- with the heat but everybody's continuing and progressing quite well," he said.
The Nelson Street project also experienced a challenge associated with heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, several other infrastructure projects are continuing across the city.
Williams said they're aiming to have the Wellington Street and Michigan Avenue projects complete by early November.
"We might be done in mid to late October but all the projects have quite complicated details to them," he said.
Several road resurfacing projects are also underway.
A record amount of $4 million was allocated for this year's road resurfacing budget. The funds were in addition to what was earmarked for larger infrastructure projects, such as Wellington Street and Michigan Avenue.
Williams thanks motorists for their patience during this busy construction season.
The list of roads to be resurfaced this year can be found on the city's website.