Grand River Street North Improvements

Grand River Street North, between Silver Street and Watts Pond Road in Paris, is an important route that supports residents, businesses, schools, emergency services, and future growth in north Paris. Construction on this section began in 2023 as part of a multi-year project to improve underground infrastructure, road safety, traffic flow, and walking and cycling connections.

The project is moving forward now because the County secured more than $9 million in provincial funding, helping reduce costs for local taxpayers. To receive the full benefit of this funding, the work must be substantially completed by 2028. These improvements will also help

Grand River Street North, between Silver Street and Watts Pond Road in Paris, is an important route that supports residents, businesses, schools, emergency services, and future growth in north Paris. Construction on this section began in 2023 as part of a multi-year project to improve underground infrastructure, road safety, traffic flow, and walking and cycling connections.

The project is moving forward now because the County secured more than $9 million in provincial funding, helping reduce costs for local taxpayers. To receive the full benefit of this funding, the work must be substantially completed by 2028. These improvements will also help prepare the area for future growth (for the next 30 years!), including a planned new school (public, elementary) and fire hall, while creating a safer and more efficient corridor for everyone who uses it.

Learn more about this project
  1. Why is this work is needed?
  2. When did this project start and what public engagement occurred?
  3. What work will be included?

View the full list of FAQs.

Traffic impacts

Construction will take place in stages to help maintain traffic flow and access throughout the project.

You can expect:

  • One northbound lane and one southbound lane to remain open on Grand River Street North
  • Temporary side street closures when required for roundabout construction
  • Local detours during specific phases of work
  • Clear signage to guide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians

Side streets will only be closed when necessary and for the shortest duration possible.

Access and safety during construction

Access to homes, businesses, the North Paris Fire Hall, and the Gilbert Water Treatment Plant will be maintained throughout construction.

Special measures will also be used near Paris District High School to support safe walking routes for students. This may include temporary signage, pedestrian controls, and protective measures where needed.

The County will continue to provide project updates and construction notices as work progresses.

Project progress and upcoming work

Contract 1
Complete

Contract 2
Starting Fall 2026

Contract 3
Starting Fall 2026

Timeline: Completed in 2023 and 2024Timeline: 2026 to 2028Timeline: 2026 to 2028
Area: Grand River Street North from Bradbury Crescent to Hartley AvenueArea: Grand River Street North from north of Silver Street to north of Scott AvenueArea: Grand River Street North from north of Scott Avenue to Watts Pond Road

Work completed:

  • Trunk watermain upgrades
  • Wastewater infrastructure upgrades
  • Underground servicing improvements to support current and future growth

Planned work:

  • Construction of a four-lane divided roadway
  • Roundabouts at Scott Avenue and Trillium Way (with pedestrian controls similar to the ones on Rest Acres Road)
  • Stormwater infrastructure upgrades
  • Construction of Ann Wilson Way
  • Installation of a new multi-use path, sidewalk, and streetlights

Planned work:

  • Construction of a four-lane roadway
  • Roundabouts at Watts Pond Road and Hartley Avenue (with pedestrian controls similar to the ones on Rest Acres Road)
  • Stormwater and water infrastructure upgrades
  • Installation of a new multi-use path, sidewalk, and streetlights

Stay informed

Progress and major milestones will be posted on this page. Subscribe for updates by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

Questions or comments about the improvements to Grand River Street North?

County of Brant Staff aim to maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue with the public through all forms of communication. We understand and appreciate that people will have differing opinions and concerns, and welcome all feedback, questions, and comments in a respectful and constructive manner.

Please ask your question or leave your comment below. We will do our best to respond within 3 business days. 

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  • I have many concerns about Grand River St N. The main problems are at PDHS and at the connection to Grand River St S as well as at the railroad bridge. My son likes to cycle to PDHS, I cycle with him in the morning for safety. We tried using Grand River St N the first 2 weeks but it's far too dangerous. After my son nearly got hit on the way back at the Wendy's general store at Distillary lane ( https://i.imgur.com/SThFvUv.png ) as well as having no room to cycle on Grand River St N (bottleneck under the railroad bridge) we now use this detour to get to PDHS. https://i.imgur.com/At1CvXQ.png (Dundas St W -> Curtis Ave -> Rail Trail -> William St -> Broadway St -> John Ave -> Banfield St -> Baird St -> St George St -> Sidewalk Grand River St N -> cross at St Patrick St. Crossing the HWY2 bridge isn't entirely safe either but better than Grand River St. Why is there no high school zone at PDHS? Is that planned? Every morning I see Southbound cars using the closed lane to get around left turning traffic, waiting for cars and busses dropping off kids at PDHS, while high school kids cross the road at Alexander Ave. https://i.imgur.com/ZXxSs7x.png With traffic volume increasing all the time, this is an accident waiting to happen. Are there any plans for the dangerous intersection at Dumfries St, the south end of Grand River St N? Are there any plans for bicycle lanes along Grand River St? Are there any plans for better sidewalks along Grand River St, in particular under the railroad bridge? Are there any plans for a pedestrian crossing at Alecander Ave to PDHS? Are there any plans for a left turn lane into PDHS? Are there any plans for a high school zone with reduced speeds?

    SvennoJ asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for connecting with the County of Brant.

    Grand River Street North, between Silver Street and Watts Pond Road in Paris, is an important route that will support growth over the next 30 years. The construction on this section will result in improved underground infrastructure, road safety, traffic flow, and walking and cycling connections.

    To improve mobility, connectivity and safety, a new multi-use path, sidewalk and streetlights will be installed.

    New roundabouts at Scott Avenue, Trillium Way, Watts Pond Road, and Hartley Avenue will also be implemented.  

    The roundabouts will have Pedestrian Crossovers similar to those on Rest Acres Road. A pedestrian crossover is a designated crossing area found outside of standard intersections. They are equipped with pavement markings, signs, and overhead or side-mounted flashing lights to provide high-visibility safety. This is intended to maximize safety for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists.

     Statistic show that roundabouts are significantly safer of all users. In fact, accidents involving pedestrians are typically reduced by 40% to 50%. These numbers are supported by data collected in both Canada and the United States. 

  • Good Afternoon Has any consideration been put into the large number of seniors and people with walkers and wheelchairs who cross at Grand R S N and Trillium Way? I understand the county is putting a roundabout in here. I cross this intersection multiple times a day and each time I am accompanied by a senior or disabled individual living in one of the buildings on Trillium Way. I can confidently say that a round about here is going to be a massive issue for this group and I’m scared to see the accidents that are inevitable with the amount of people who cross and the large volume of uneducated round about drivers. Just wondered if this population has been considered. Many of them do not drive and have to walk to Sobeys to Get groceries. Thanks

    Sarah Gurneh asked 4 months ago

    Thank you for connecting with the County of Brant.  The roundabouts will have pedestrian crossovers similar to those on Rest Acres Road. A pedestrian crossover is a designated crossing area found outside of standard intersections. They are equipped with pavement markings, signs, and overhead or side-mounted flashing lights to provide high-visibility safety. This is intended to maximize safety for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists.

    Statistic show that roundabouts are significantly safer of all users. In fact, accidents involving pedestrians are typically reduced by 40% to 50%. These numbers are supported by data collected in both Canada and the United States. 

  • Why aren't the workers working Saturdays to speed up the process?

    Brenty14 asked about 2 years ago

    The County of Brant allows contractors to work Saturdays at their discretion. Some contractors do take advantage of the opportunity to work Saturday especially if they are behind schedule, but most do not. Typically, contractors work 10 hours days, 5 days a week and it is difficult to find help that will work the additional overtime on a Saturday not to mention the additional cost of paying overtime rates for labour. Hours of work legislation also governs working hours for truck drivers and equipment operators to ensure they get adequate rest which ensures they are alert and can operate machinery safely. Workers also need rest time and to spend time with family.  Tired workers are less productive and less alert which is a safety concern. 

    Though the overall duration of construction may be reduced by working Saturday, disruption to local residents would extend into the weekend. Though work only is occurring in the road allowance, noise and other factors like service disruptions and dust would impact local residents time at home. Access to and from the property would also be impacted. 

    Regards,

    J. Murphy, 

    Capital Projects Manager

  • Is this project currently being completed on time? The road has been under construction for months and months and very rarely do residents see any work being done on the watermain and sanitary sewers. Can you elaborate on whether the Grand River Street North section to Scott Avenue will be completed "before the end of December 2023"? Thank you.

    JP77 asked almost 3 years ago

    The Contractor has been working diligently to complete all aspects of the watermain and sanitary sewer installation according to the approved schedule. During the watermain commissioning phase of the project, it may have appeared that work moved more slowly, as time is necessary for testing and approvals of the new watermain to take place. 

     

    Sanitary installation continues to go well as they move towards the Scott Avenue intersection. Should the weather continue to cooperate, Grand River Street North to Scott Avenue should reopen within the next 3 to 4 weeks.

    Thank you,

    M. Eby, P. Eng.,

    County of Brant

Page last updated: 08 Oct 2026, 08:36 AM