Construction along long-awaited busy Barrie corridor delayed

The Mapleview Drive East project design rendering.

The City of Barrie says construction on the long-awaited Mapleview Drive East transportation project has been delayed, with work now expected to begin later this year or early next year.

In an update last week, the City said unforeseen delays in the tender process pushed back the start of main construction along the busy corridor between Yonge Street and Prince William Way.

Utility relocations, which are already underway, are now expected to continue into early 2026.

The project will mark one of Barrie’s largest road improvement efforts in the city’s south end. The 1.4-kilometre stretch of Mapleview Drive East will be widened to four lanes, with multi-use trails added on both sides, new street lighting, updated traffic signals, and a new stormwater management pond.

The City notes the scope of the work will also include underground infrastructure upgrades, such as storm and sanitary sewers, and intersection improvements at key points including Yonge Street, Kneeshaw Drive/Lily Drive, and Royal Jubilee Drive.

According to the City, Mapleview Drive East serves as a key transportation corridor that will help accommodate Barrie’s growth through 2031.

Construction is expected to continue through to spring 2028.