Sandwich Street reconstruction and $1 Million streetscape enhancement

The following road closures are currently in place on Sandwich Street.

Measures are being taken to minimize the impact of construction in accordance with the commitments in the approved Environmental Assessment Report and Federal Screening Report in Canada. Construction mitigation measures include:

Vibration monitoring: 

With any major construction activity, the use of heavy machinery may cause noise and vibration above existing levels and beyond the project footprint. The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team understands the concern that those living and working adjacent to the construction areas have regarding noise and vibration and make every effort to reduce impacts to residents. 

BNA has undertaken a review of upcoming construction activities along Sandwich Street and identified structures that fall within a potential Zone of Influence based on the work to be completed and the building type in the vicinity of the work area. The Zone of Influence ranges from 6.1m for commercial structures to 7.9m for residential structures and 11.1m for historical structures.

BNA is offering free vibration monitoring for structures located within the Zone of Influence that may experience high vibration activities associated with the construction along Sandwich Street. 

While property owners may experience some vibrations from construction, this does not indicate that damage has occurred.  Damage will be identified through the use of pre and post construction surveys. BNA will provide free pre-construction surveys and vibration monitoring to property owners located within the Zone of Influence. 

Although BNA doesn’t anticipate any damage to properties, vibration monitoring helps determine the current condition of structures and shows if construction activities adversely impact them during the course of construction.   

Eligible homeowners/occupants will be required to opt into the program by March 8, 2024. Pre-construction surveys are used to establish the condition of existing structures within close proximity of construction activities. Property owners participating in the vibration monitoring process will be notified if any damages are noted based on the post-construction survey.  

Only properties that fall within the identified Zone of Influence are eligible for the Vibration Monitoring Program. This is due to the high unlikelihood of vibration beyond the Zone of Influence to cause any damage, despite any physical vibrations felt while the work occurs.

View frequently asked questions.

Vibration Monitoring Steps 

BNA will directly contact owners of properties identified within the Zone of Influence. Owners of properties that are not located within this area will not be contacted. 

Property owners who wish to participate in the program are required to complete, sign and return a Property Owner Authorization Form to BNA. 

In cases where the owner agrees to participate in the vibration monitoring program but does not occupy the property, the occupant needs to complete and sign an Occupant Authorization Form, then return it to BNA. 

Once authorizations are in place, BNA will work with the property owner to schedule an initial survey used to determine the condition of the property prior to the start of construction. (In cases where someone other than the owner occupies the property, BNA will work with both the owner and occupant to schedule an appointment for the initial property survey.) 

Once construction in a particular area is complete, BNA will return a third time to assess for any changes from the initial visit. 

Generally speaking, vibration equipment will not be installed on participants’ private properties. BNA installs vibration monitoring equipment throughout the construction zones to measure vibration for all potentially impacted properties. 

BNA will not enter properties without an appointment and personnel will be easily identifiable with identification (ID) cards. The vibration monitoring process is free of charge and will not damage properties. 

If construction-related damage occurs to a property that is participating in the vibration monitoring program, BNA will work with the property owner to assess the cause and extent of the damages. 

Owners of identified properties with questions about the vibration monitoring program can call the project team at 1-844-322-1773 or send an email to info [at] wdbridge.com 

Dust control:

Bridging North America will minimize dust during construction by: 

• conducting ongoing dust monitoring,
• regular road sweeping and watering,
• use of tarps for material transport, and 
• assessment and accommodation of activities during periods of high winds, as needed.

Noise control: 

Construction equipment will be well maintained, and all efforts will be used to reduce noise during the construction period.

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.

Highlights: 

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

Conceptual design renderings of key Sandwich Street locations:

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