Project Overview
The City of Niagara Falls is moving ahead with a major reconstruction and rehabilitation project on Willoughby Drive, designed to improve road conditions, replace aging underground infrastructure, and enhance safety and accessibility for all users.
This project includes:
- Full road reconstruction from Cattell Drive to 100m south of Weinbrenner Road
- Road rehabilitation from Cattell Drive north to Main Street
- Watermain replacement along the entire project corridor
- Sanitary sewer replacement from Cattell Drive to Weinbrenner Road
- Active transportation improvements, including geometric upgrades and enhanced sidewalks
- A safe, durable, and accessible roadway design that supports pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and drivers
The City has retained MTE Consultants Inc. to complete the design, tendering, and administration of the project.
This reconstruction is a key component of Operation Smooth Roads, the City’s multi-year plan to improve pavement quality and upgrade critical infrastructure across Niagara Falls.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026 and continue through to late 2026.
Exact dates will be confirmed once the contractor’s schedule is finalized following the tender and award of the project. Updates will be shared as they become available.
Road rehabilitation focuses on restoring the condition of an existing road without a complete reconstruction. This involves:
- Removing the existing pavement
- Reshaping and regrading the granular road base
- Repairing curbs and sidewalks as needed
- Installing a new base and top course of asphalt
This process extends the life of the roadway while managing costs, especially important in areas scheduled for future capital work.
This stretch of Willoughby Drive is being rehabilitated in advance of upcoming wastewater improvement projects identified in the Chippawa Area Sewer Shed plan.
Although the road will be closed to through traffic, business access will be maintained at all times.
The contractor will install clear signage to let motorists and pedestrians know that all businesses remain open during construction.
A few on-street parking areas currently exist within the project area. As part of this project, the plan is to remove on-street parking to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
- The section of Willoughby Drive from Weinbrenner Road to Main Street will be closed to through traffic during construction.
- Access to all properties and businesses will be maintained.
- If temporary access restrictions are required, the contractor will provide advance notice and direct you to an alternate parking location.
- In situations where driveway access is unavailable overnight (typically during concrete work), on-street parking will be permitted overnight.
- Public transit routes will be adjusted during the construction period.
With construction activity scheduled to occur on Willoughby Drive in 2026, City Staff have tentatively scheduled Cattell Drive from Willoughby Drive to Lamont Avenue as part of the 2027 Road Rehabilitation Program.
This program will be brought forward for budget consideration and will entail the removal of the existing pavement, re-grading of the granular road base, including sidewalk and curb repairs, and the installation of new base and top course asphalt.
In the meantime, City Operations Staff actively patrol the area, ensuring hazards are addressed in a timely manner. The following link will allow the Public to report any issues that may arise. https://niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/municipal-works/potholes.aspx
Willoughby Drive Reconstruction Location Map.
