Why has traffic been unusually slow along the Bay Street project, and what is the Town doing to address it?

There is no single construction-related cause for this week’s significant delays. Slower driving speeds through the snowy, freshly gravelled work zone, combined with higher traffic volumes, have contributed to longer lineups. Additional delays occurred when efforts to clear end-of-day hospital traffic ran longer than planned due to slower movement through the site.

The Town has been meeting with the contractor to review and adjust traffic control measures, including a timed approach where no direction is held longer than 5 to 10 minutes without a sign flip.

While this will not clear the entire lineup, it will help ensure steady forward progress in all directions.

How does the weather impact ongoing construction?

Weather plays a significant role in project timelines. Many construction activities require dry and stable conditions to be completed safely and correctly. When weather shifts, such as heavy rain, frost or high winds, crews may need to pause or postpone work to protect both safety and quality. As a result, project schedules are always weather-dependent and may change as conditions dictate.

When will the projects be complete?

West / James Street:

*Schedule is weather-dependent and may change as conditions require*

• Road work portion (excluding sewer lining) is forecasted to be substantially complete by December 13th.

• Sewer lining work from James Street through West Street is expected to be completed by December 22nd.

• Phase 2: Pending budget approval and tendering, West Street Phase 2 is expected to run in spring/summer 2026, involving roadwork from Highway 4 (Rotary) to James Street.

For more information regarding the West / James Street Capital Project, visit the project page. 

Bay Street

*Schedule is weather-dependent and may change as conditions require*

• Major work for Phase 1 is scheduled to be substantially complete by December 31st, weather permitting. Contractors are making every effort to finish before Christmas if conditions allow.
• Phase 2: Pending budget approval and tendering, Phase 2 is expected to run in spring/summer 2026, extending from the tracks to the Town boundary.

For more information regarding the Bay Street Capital Project, visit the project page.  

 Greening Drive

The work on Greening Drive is not part of the Town’s capital projects program. However, we aim to keep residents updated on all ongoing construction work. For more information on this project, please refer to the Greening Drive Sidewalk Paving Project Update.

What does “substantial completion” mean?

Substantial completion means that principal work is finished and fully functional, including:

• Traffic flowing on paved roads
• Pipes and underground infrastructure working as intended
• Roads and intersections open and safe for public use

After substantial completion, minor finishing work may remain, including:

• Saw-cutting, concrete touch-ups, and sidewalk completion
• Landscaping and surface restoration

Why are multiple major projects happening at the same time?

The current overlap was not intended, and some of the congestion is tied to the Church Street Roundabout, a provincial highway project running significantly behind schedule. Its delays pushed work later into the year than planned. The original schedule would have resulted in minimal overlap with the Town’s fall projects on Bay and West Streets.

• Each project depends on external funding approval, and work can only begin once those approvals are received.
• Funding for West Street was confirmed in late August, meaning tendering could not occur sooner.
• Most funding must be spent within the fiscal year (ending March 31), limiting how far work can be delayed.
• The two Town projects are on opposite ends of town, so they do not directly compound each other's traffic flows.

The alternative was to delay work until spring, which would require the Town to cover significantly more of the cost without external funding support.

Why wasn’t this work scheduled over the summer when traffic is lower?

Summer scheduling wasn’t possible due to funding timelines. In addition:

• Funding approvals for West Street arrived after the summer, preventing earlier tendering.
• Bay Street was originally planned for last year, but lacked sufficient funding until this fall.
• Funding must typically be used by March 31, requiring construction to begin this fall to qualify.
• Summer also brings heavy visitor and tourism traffic, meaning any lane reductions or traffic controls would still create delays.

Regardless of the season, any project requiring lane closures will affect residents, visitors, and businesses. The Town aims to minimize impacts by maintaining target wait times and keeping the public informed.

Why isn’t the Bay Street work being completed at night only?

• Funding arrived late in the summer, and part of it must be used this fiscal year (before March 31).
• To qualify, Phase 1 of Bay Street must be substantially completed by late December, weather permitting.
• Meeting this timeline requires dual shifts, not just overnight work.

Limiting work to nighttime hours would significantly extend construction, creating longer impacts for residents, traffic, and local businesses.

Why are forecasted construction schedules sometimes not met?

Weekly “Project Schedule Updates” outline expected work and traffic impacts. Actual progress can shift due to factors such as:

• Weather
• Equipment availability
• Contractor scheduling
• Unforeseen site conditions

When scheduled work does not occur, it is typically due to circumstances beyond the Town’s control.

Why are wait times sometimes longer than the 15-minute target? (Updated Dec. 11, 2025)

The Town continues to target a 15-minute maximum wait time at the Bay Street project; however, this week has seen significantly more prolonged delays. Slower speeds through the work zone and higher traffic volumes have contributed to extended lineups. Timed traffic control measures were implemented to improve traffic flow, but this week’s delays show they have not resolved the issue. The Town acknowledges the extraordinary waits and is working with the contractor and provincial Public Works officials to verify that best practices for traffic control are being followed and exploring all options to improve traffic flow and minimize delays.

Are protocols in place for emergency vehicles?

Yes. Traffic control teams are trained to:

• Immediately stop traffic
• Create a clear lane
• Ensure rapid passage for emergency responders

On rare occasions, this may extend wait times for other drivers.

How is the Town supporting local businesses during construction?

The Town recognizes the challenges for local businesses during the construction period. To support downtown shopping, the Town has partnered with the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce and contributed funding to:

• Weekly holiday giveaways featuring gift cards purchased directly from local businesses
• Targeted advertising campaigns and radio messaging to attract shoppers from Antigonish and surrounding areas

These initiatives are designed to help maintain customer traffic and support the merchants who have long supported our community.

Why wasn’t the West Street work completed at the same time as the Active Transportation lane?

• The Town applied for funding to complete the additional road work at the same time as the AT Trail, but that application was not approved—only the trail received funding.
• Without funding support, the Town could not proceed with the road work last year.
• This year, funding was secured—but only late in the summer—allowing the project to begin, though not until the fall.