For this project, we aim to provide weekly updates each Friday to keep residents informed about the upcoming week of construction. Please continue to check this section regularly to stay informed about all project progress and important updates.

Traffic control measures are in place to keep vehicles moving safely and efficiently, and crews strive to limit wait times to approximately 15 minutes whenever possible. For the safety of all, drivers are reminded to follow the rules of the road and are encouraged to be respectful of business and residential entrances to allow vehicles to enter/exit these properties.

*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.*  

 

 

Project Update - Closing the Holiday Season (as of Dec. 18, 2025)

The base coat of paving on West Street has now been completed. A final top coat of asphalt will be scheduled for the spring, when weather conditions allow, and asphalt plants to reopen. This approach provides a safe and smooth driving surface for the winter months while ensuring the highest-quality finishing work next construction season.

Sewer work along James Street and West Street is wrapped up for the holiday season and is scheduled to resume in January. Remaining finishing work on West Street, including sidewalk, curb, and related infrastructure, will be completed during the next construction season. Please note that the sidewalk on the side of West Street closest to James Street will remain closed at this time.

The Town recognizes the significant disruption this project has caused for residents, businesses, and visitors. We acknowledge the challenges experienced throughout construction and will be reviewing the project to identify lessons learned and opportunities to reduce impacts during future infrastructure projects.

 

Project Update and Weekly Construction Schedule (as of Dec. 12, 2025)

Project Update

• Paving is beginning today, Friday, December 12, and will continue into Saturday, December 13, weather permitting.
• This work represents the final stretch of both the roadwork and sewer-lining components. Substantial completion remains on track for next week.
• The roadwork portion of the project is expected to reach substantial completion mid-next week. 

Weekly Construction Schedule

The schedule for the week of Dec. 13th until Dec. 19th is as follows (All schedules are weather-dependent and may change as conditions require):

• Crews will work day shifts from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, pause on Sunday, then continue Monday through Friday, with the possibility of some shifts extending later into the evening.
• A full detour on Highland and Fairview will remain in place for the next two days, depending on weather. Once paving is complete, West Street will shift to a single-lane detour.

 

 

Project Update and Weekly Construction Schedule (as of Dec. 5, 2025)

Project Update

• Most curb and sidewalk removal is complete, and new sidewalk installation is underway. 
• New curbs have been installed.
• Catch basins and underground pipework are complete.
• Road milling has begun in preparation for paving.
• Surface work continues to progress steadily.

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. (Schedule is weather-dependent and may change as conditions require).

For answers to frequently asked questions on Capital Projects, click here.

Weekly Construction Schedule

The schedule for the week of Dec. 6th until Dec. 12th is as follows (All schedules are weather-dependent and may change as conditions require):

• Crews will be working during the daytime Saturday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Traffic controls will be in place, with a full detour on Highland and Fairview during work hours. After work hours, one lane on West Street will reopen when conditions allow.

Multiple crews will remain on-site throughout the day, working across different sections of the project. While no night work is planned, contractors are maximizing daytime hours to keep the project moving efficiently.

 

Construction Schedule Update (as of Dec. 3rd, 2025)

Due to inclement weather, crews will not be on site during the daytime shift on December 3rd, 2025. Traffic controls remain in place with a detour on Highland and Fairview, and one lane on West St. open for traffic. 

 

Weekly Construction Schedule (as of Nov. 28th, 2025)

The schedule for the week of Nov. 29th until Dec. 5th is as follows:

• Crews will be working during the daytime Saturday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Traffic controls will be in place, with a full detour on Highland and Fairview during work hours. After work hours, one lane on West Street will reopen when conditions allow.
• Traffic control will ensure local traffic maintains access to their driveways. 

Crews remain on site throughout the day with multiple teams working in different areas of the project. Even with no night work planned, contractors are maximizing daytime hours to keep the project moving efficiently.

 

Weekly Construction Schedule (as of Nov. 21st, 2025)

The schedule for the week of Nov. 22nd until Nov. 28th is as follows:

• Crews will be working during the daytime Saturday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Traffic controls will be in place, with a full detour on Highland and Fairview during work hours. After work hours, one lane on West Street will reopen when conditions allow.

 

Weekly Construction Schedule (as of Nov. 14th, 2025)

The schedule for the week of Nov. 15th until Nov. 21st is as follows:

• Crews will be working during the daytime Saturday and Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• There may be limited access to 42 West Street and the skatepark entrance, periodically throughout the day on Monday, November 17th.
• Traffic control will be in place, with a detour along Fairview Street to Highland Drive.

 

Weekly Construction Schedule (as of Nov. 7, 2025)

The schedule for the week of Nov. 8th until Nov. 14th is as follows:

• Crews will be working Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and for a few hours on Sunday.
• They will return from Wednesday to Friday, with no work on Monday or Tuesday.
• Traffic control will be in place, with a detour along Fairview Street to Highland Drive. 

 

Weekly Construction Schedule (as of Oct. 31, 2025)

The schedule for the week of Nov. 3rd until Nov. 9th is as follows:

• Crews will be on-site on West Street Monday to Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Traffic control will be in place, with the detour along Fairview Street to Highland Drive.
• Residents are asked to follow all traffic control signage and directions while work is ongoing to ensure safety and efficiency.

  

Project Overview

The project has been split into two phases to ensure efficient delivery and minimal disruption:

Phase 1 (2025) - West Street & Sewer Work:

• Sewer upgrades:  Lining of the main sewer pipe along James and West Streets to fix past leaks and breakages.

• Street improvements: Asphalt resurfacing, new curbs, and 6-foot-wide accessible sidewalks from West/James to West/Highland.

• West Street paving:  Fixing areas impacted by Active Transportation Trail changes.

Phase 2 (2026) - West Street Completion:

• Water main upgrades: West/James to the roundabout.

• Remaining street work: Asphalt resurfacing, curbs, and sidewalks for the remaining sections.

 

Project Highlight - Sewer Lining Work

The Town is moving forward with the trenchless rehabilitation of aging sanitary sewer mains along West Street and James Street. Many of these pipes are more than fifty years old. Using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology, this project will extend the life of the existing sewer system without major excavation, reducing impacts on residents and traffic.

Work includes inspection, cleaning, lining, and testing to ensure the upgraded system meets environmental and engineering standards.

 

Resident Impacts

Sections of sewer mains will need to be taken offline for approximately 24 hours while the liner is installed. During this time, homes and businesses in the affected area cannot use water or sewer drains.

• Advance notices will be delivered to all impacted properties.
• Specific dates and instructions will be provided ahead of time.
• Work on West Street may require temporary detours through Fairview Street.

Work is tentatively scheduled to begin the second week of December.

 

Benefits of This Upgrade

• Extends the lifespan of aging sewer infrastructure by decades.
• Reduces blockages and breaks, improving system reliability.
• Prevents groundwater infiltration, supporting environmental protection.
• Minimizes surface disruption thanks to trenchless methods—less digging, noise, and traffic impact.
• More cost-efficient than traditional pipe replacement.
• Improves overall system performance to support future community needs.

 

Next Steps

• Complete all Phase 1 work before the end of December

The Town of Antigonish is investing in safer, smoother, and more accessible streets on West Street, while also upgrading sewer infrastructure along James and West Streets. This project replaces aging underground systems and rebuilds West Street to modern standards, improving travel, drainage, and pedestrian safety for years to come.

 

 

What Residents Can Expect

• Fresh, durable pavement for smoother travel

• Modern curbs and storm drains for improved drainage

• Fully accessible sidewalks for safer walking routes

• A long-term investment in safer and more efficient infrastructure