Navigating the Downtown Dig – 2026 Detour

The Downtown Dig is a multi-year infrastructure project designed to rebuild, revitalize, and ensure the long-term vibrancy of downtown Paris. While this "once-in-a-lifetime" overhaul of critical underground services, roads, and sidewalks will ultimately create a more beautiful, accessible, and resilient community, it requires temporary closures of key areas, particularly along Grand River Street North.

When does construction start again?

The 2026 continuation of the Downtown Dig construction is anticipated to start on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Downtown businesses remain open during the Dig!

While construction is underway, we are committed to maintaining access to your favourite shops, restaurants, and services. Pedestrian access will be supported throughout the process, and businesses are open and ready to welcome you.

Plan Your Trip Ahead

Road Closures (Construction Area)

The following roads are closed to vehicle traffic:

• Grand River Street North: From south of Charlotte St to Mechanic St
• William Street: From the William St Bridge to west of Grand River St N
• Intersection closure: Grand River St N and William St

Temporary Traffic Changes

• Emily St and Broadway St W: A temporary 3-way stop will be implemented.
• Broadway St E: Converted to a temporary one-way northbound (between Broadway St W and Charlotte St). The east side is a designated drop-off/pick-up zone for Paris Central School.
• Charlotte St: Converted to a temporary one-way eastbound (between Broadway St E and Grand River St N).
• Emily St: Converted to a temporary one-way westbound (between Broadway St E and Grand River St N).

Click to view larger image.

Access and restrictions

• Local traffic only: William St (from Willow St to the bridge) and Grand River St N (south of Charlotte St). Access to Smile City and 139 Paris Professional Centre is maintained.
• Turning restrictions:
  • No left turns onto King Edward St from Dumfries St to avoid traffic backing up downtown
  • Access the Dundas St high-level bridge via Burwell St
• Heavy trucks: No through truck traffic allowed. All heavy trucks must detour along the Paris West Bypass Route
  • Deliveries North of William St: Access via Silver St and Grand River St N
  • Deliveries South of William St: Access via King Edward St, Dumfries St, and Grand River St S
• Paris West Bypass route: Recommended for those traveling to southwest Paris or Highway 403. Route follows Silver St, Keg Lane, Brant-Oxford Rd, Puttown Rd, and King Edward St

Traffic flows will be monitored and traffic calming measures will be in place.

Stay informed

• EngageBrant.ca/DowntownDig for up-to-date project information
• brant.ca/Construction for current road detours, upcoming major construction projects and why so much construction is happening in the County
• Follow the Downtown Dig and the County of Brant on Facebook and Instagram

Thank you for your patience during this construction season.

For questions or concerns, email downtowndig@brant.ca or leave your questions directly for the project team on this page.