Investing in our Infrastructure
Operation Smooth Roads is the City of Niagara Falls’ five-year plan to upgrade, repair, and renew streets across our community. Through this multi-year initiative, we’re investing millions of dollars to keep everyone moving safely, smoothly, and with fewer bumps along the way.
To make the most of every investment, the City regularly checks the condition of our roads. This data helps shape a smart, long-term plan that prioritizes improvements where they’re needed most -based on road age, condition, traffic, and maintenance history.
As work rolls out across the city, keep an eye out for Operation Smooth Roads signs and updates - your cue that smoother travels are on the way!
Together, we’re paving the path to a safer, smoother Niagara Falls.
Projects include:
- Drummond, Portage & Gallinger Roads (5 Corners) – Phases 2 & 3 reconstruction
- Willoughby Drive – Phase 1 reconstruction (100m south of Weinbrenner Rd to 100m south of Cattell Dr)
- Delta Drive, Charnwood Ave & Preakness St – 3.5 km of rehabilitation + sidewalk replacement
- Urban Surface Treatment (6.4 km) – Leonard Ave., Byng Ave., Woodland Blvd., Depew Ave., Maitland St., Division St., High St., Leeming St., Cook St.
Note: Project details are subject to change as priorities are updated.
Road Maintenance
- Pothole Repairs: Cold patches in winter/early spring; durable asphalt repairs in late spring. Over 8,000 potholes fixed in 2025.
- Hot Patching: Larger asphalt patches addressing minor deterioration.
- Crack & Asphalt Sealing: Prevents water from penetrating the road base, extends asphalt life.
Repairs & Local Upgrades
- Surface treatments, localized asphalt replacement, safety improvements
- Typically begins late spring
New & Reconstructed Infrastructure
- Full road reconstruction, including base removal, asphalt replacement, and utility upgrades
- May include pedestrian, cycling, and transit facilities
- Example: Willoughby Drive Reconstruction
- Higher-volume and higher-speed roads receive priority under Provincial Regulation O. Reg. 239/02
- Local roads, crescents, and cul-de-sacs are maintained afterward
- Approach ensures safety, efficiency, and practical risk management
- Access maintained for local traffic, garbage collection, and emergency services
- Typical project timeline: 6–8 weeks per street
- Construction may occur in stages, with brief delays
- Residents on affected streets will receive direct notifications
⚠️ Traffic delays are temporary but necessary to prepare the city’s roads for the future.
Thank you for your patience!
- 1,230 lane-km of paved roads (one of the largest in the Niagara Region)
- Full replacement cost: $750M+; annual replacement every 25 years would cost $30M+
- 2025 budget: $12.8M for roads within $50M total capital budget
- Funds also support watermains, sewers, parks, facilities, and fire stations
