By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A heavily used stretch of gravel road near Wallaceburg is going to see some blacktop this fall.
Part of Chatham-Kent’s road conversion project, Arnold Road will be paved from Dufferin Avenue to Base Line Road.
A $1.8 million tender from Armstrong Paving and Materials Group Ltd. was approved by council Sept. 14 to redo the 1.4-kilometre roadway. The work includes the replacement of culverts and other drainage improvements.
A second road conversion was also approved by council at the meeting. Allison Line from Charing Cross Road to Lagoon Road will also be paved following the acceptance of a $1.24 million bid by Shepley Road Maintenance Ltd.
Construction will start shortly on both projects expected to be completed in spring 2027.
“Maintaining and enhancing our rural road network is an important part of keeping Chatham-Kent connected,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff in a media release. “These projects will make travel easier for the people who rely on these routes every day, while also addressing drainage and safety needs in these areas.”
The projects are part of Chatham-Kent’s Gravel Road Conversion Program, which identifies roads for upgrades based on their condition, function, maintenance requirements, and benefits to the overall road network.
At least one lane of traffic will remain open on Allison Line and Arnold Road throughout construction, whenever possible.
Residents in the affected areas will receive advance notification before work begins, and construction signage will be in place to communicate traffic impacts.
Chatham-Kent has about 1,700 kms of gravel roads, according to the municipal website. It would take approximately 340 more five-kilometre resurfacing efforts such as this to eradicate all gravel roads in the municipality.
