HWY. 169 IS A NO GO UP BAY STREET NOW AS IT’S CLOSED AROUND WHARF FOR THE SUMMER

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Traffic was stop and go here this morning.

Or least in the case of Bay Street stop — and turn around.

It’s been like that since 1:30 p.m. yesterday when Hwy. 169 was closed at North Muldrew Lake Road heading into West Gravenhurst.

The same backups have already been piling up trucks, transports and cars on James Street at John Street today as a district and town construction plans for the rest of this year began as part of Bay & Beyond.

The district said in a release this week that “while access for emergency vehicles will be maintained around the construction zone Bay Street will not be available for the duration of the road closure.”

The project involves underground water, sewer and storm replacement, road resurfacing, partial removal and replacement of street lighting, culvert replacement, construction of multiuse pathways, sidewalk and boulevard landscaping, and restoration with topsoil and sod.

Detours around the phase one Muskoka Wharf retail neighbourhood begun in earnest this week with road closure at the top and bottom of the hill forcing vehicles to turn around and look for the alternative route to Bala or Toronto.

Concrete barriers were erected yesterday blocking the North Muldrew Lake Road intersection in two directions — up Bay Street and into Steamship Bay Road.

Staging for the muli-million dollar project has work crews assembling at the west entrance to Steamship Bay Road next to the Marriott Hotel where equipment is already being assembled.

That’s the entrance to the hotel, Muskoka Discovery Centre and Greavette and Ditchburn condos.

But there was no clear signage on Hwy. 169 informing drivers of where to enter or go for more retail services adjacent.

“It’s going to be a real mess — but it has to be done,” said Ken Bowins who has a boathouse on Lake Muskoka next to the Marriott.

• Pedestrians will still be able to walk the Wharf boardwalk and enter the parking lots off Bay Street at the Lions Pavilion entrance.
• The multiuse pathway from North Muldrew Lake Rd. to the Farmer’s Market parking lot will remain accessible throughout the construction duration.
• Waste collection services will continue as usual during the closure. Residents can put their waste collection items out on their regular collection day.
• Please keep in mind the area will be a construction zone, and conditions may change daily.

Preparations for Wednesday’s full closure have been going on on the ground for weeks.

And heated up this week as most of James Street has been paved and the Muskoka Road South intersection on the main street has been re-lined with markings to allow for large trucks to make safe turns north and south.

Though “stop lines” keeping traffic well back of the corner weren’t being paid attention to the first few days they were laid down by Precision Markings of Innisfil.

Thursday morning, Day 2, drivers who haven’t gotten the message about the changes in routes were backtracking and hurrying in all directions.

Triathlon this weekend

Congestion is certain to follow this weekend as triathlon will make things worse as all parking lots at the Wharf will be full of swimmers, bikers and runners.

So be forewarned if you’re trying to get to your cottage or around Muskoka Lake.

James Street and Bethune Drive will be used as a designated truck route. Watch for the small orange signs.

Let us know if you have any problems and concerns this summer and during the three-year phased project from North Muldrow Lake up Bay Street and down Brock Street to Gull Lake Rotary Park. Email news@muskokatoday.com and put Bay & Beyond in subject field.