Sandwich Street reconstruction and $1 Million streetscape enhancement

Funded by the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, three kilometres of Sandwich Street was reconstructed from the Canadian Port of Entry at McKee Avenue to the Rosedale Avenue roundabout. Sandwich Street reconstruction work began in summer 2023 and was completed in December 2024. 

Phase 1 – Completed

Beginning in March 2024, Bridging North America closed Sandwich Street from the Perimeter Access Road surrounding the Canadian Port of Entry to the Ojibway Parkway intersection. Work being undertaken includes re-paving of the roadway, installation of a storm sewer, ditch filling and construction of an asphalt multi-use path, which will eventually connect into the Canadian Port of Entry.

Phase 2 – Completed

From September to December 2023, Bridging North America closed southbound Sandwich Street between Ojibway Parkway and Chappell Avenue, leaving one lane of northbound traffic while construction took place. The closure lasted 13 weeks and the road was reopened on December 8, 2023. Work completed included re-paving of the roadway, sidewalk installation and construction of an asphalt multi-use path (deferred to spring due to weather).

In April 2024, Bridging North America, began the next stage of work for this phase from Sandwich Street between the Essex Terminal Railway easement (ETR) tracks and Ojibway Parkway. Work includes removal of old concrete and reinstallation of pavement, curbs, sidewalks, driveway aprons, etc. and installations of a granular base and asphalt pavement for the multi-use trail.

Phase 3 – Completed

Beginning early June 2024, and lasting approximately six months, Phase Three includes Sandwich Street from Chappell Avenue to Chewett Street, just south of the Rosedale Avenue roundabout. Work includes asphalt paving and sidewalks, the addition of new bicycle lanes and enhanced streetscaping within the Sandwich BIA district from Brock Street through Detroit Street.

As part of the project Community Benefits Plan, the project will invest an additional $1 million to further enhance the Sandwich Business Improvement Area.

Following a two-year consultation process, Bridging North America developed designs that will result in a vibrant, enhanced area for residents and visitors. The design focuses on the areas identified by the community as priority investment areas including landscaping, gathering spaces and hardscaping and also aligns with municipal standards and requirements and the Sandwich Heritage Conservation District Plan. Attention was given to ensuring the use of durable, quality materials and long-term investment items. Streetscaping construction will occur in coordination with the Sandwich Street road reconstruction anticipated to start summer 2024 with completion by year-end.

Landscaping:

• Soil cells, underground infrastructure that provide favorable conditions to support growth of healthy tree roots leading to expanded canopy, will be installed within the BIA district. While they are underground and invisible to street users, they will yield long-term reward through an enhanced tree canopy beyond what average street trees may offer 
• Low concrete planters repositioned away from curbs that will be planted with low-maintenance trees, grasses and perennials 
• Sod will be used along sections of the boulevards to align with the City’s Sandwich Heritage Conservation District Plan that calls for limiting paved surfaces

Gathering Spaces:

• Groupings of benches and trees will be incorporated in key areas throughout the BIA to allow for areas of rest and socialization. 
• Space is reserved near the northwest corner of Sandwich Street and Mill Street for installation of an enhanced infrastructure feature by the Sandwich BIA that will serve as a gathering space

Hardscaping with Heritage Features:

• Pre-cast pavers in a historical colour will be installed at key intersections to create feature areas 
• Decorative tree grates in a heritage finish and pattern will be installed to expand the usable sidewalk area for walkers or possible sidewalk cafes 
• Sidewalk tactile pads with a heritage finish will be at intersections rather than the city standard of bright yellow

Intersection of Sandwich Street and Brock Street

Intersection of Sandwich Street and Mill Street

Intersection of Sandwich Street and Detroit Street

Mackenzie Hall and Parkette

Consultation Process:

From 2022-2024, the project held numerous meetings with the public, Sandwich residents and businesses, including the Sandwich BIA and other stakeholders to help identify priority investment areas for streetscape design. A survey was undertaken in winter 2023 asking respondents to help prioritize four investment areas.

Survey respondents were asked to rank these four categories of investment areas:

* Photos are illustrative examples only and do not reflect actual design

2023