Cost to resurface Ira Needles Boulevard estimated at $4.5M

CTV’s Alexandra Holyk explains why repaving and resurfacing work along Ira Needles Boulevard could cost millions.

A busy and pothole-plagued stretch of road needs a facelift – but it could be costly.

Staff for the Region of Waterloo have recommended the resurfacing of Ira Needles Boulevard between Yellow Birch and Westhill Drive, several years ahead of schedule.

In a new report, they say, “deterioration in the original lanes has progressed faster than expected,” and “the road condition has worsened to the point where temporary repairs are no longer effective.”

One concern is the seam between the original and widened lanes. The recent freeze-thaw cycle has also taken a toll on the asphalt.

“It’s rapidly deteriorating,” said Shawn Buckley, the Region of Waterloo’s transportation program development manager.

“The proposed resurfacing work on Ira Needles Boulevard will help maintain a reliable transportation network for residents of Waterloo Region,” Colleen James, chair of the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development committee, explained in an email to CTV News. “Ira Needles Boulevard is a key regional corridor, which has deteriorated faster than anticipated, and addressing this now will help preserve the roadway. It will also extend its service life, and reduce the risk of more costly repairs later, supporting the region’s larger asset management plan. Our priority is to keep our corridor safe and dependable for the people who use it every day.”

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According to staff, patching is no longer an option. Instead, they recommended a “more extensive” treatment which included the removal and replacement of the asphalt’s surface, calling it “a shave and pave.”

“We’re just shaving off the top part of the asphalt, the surface of it, a very thin lift,” Buckley said. “And we’re putting that back down again with a new one.”

A full rehabilitation was originally supposed to happen in the 2030s, but staff said an immediate solution was needed due to the deteriorating road conditions.

“If you hit it relatively hard at one time, we see that better and more cost effective than having to continually come back year over year,” Buckley said.

The repair cost is estimated at $4.5 million, which staff say will come from the Transportation Capital Reserve, which is not included in the region’s 2026 Capital Budget.

“In a month or two’s time, when all the tenders close for 2026, we’ll report back to council to solidify that number,” said Buckley.

‘Long overdue’

Visitors at The Boardwalk shopping centre Tuesday told CTV News they’re relieved to hear smoother road surfaces could be on the horizon.

“Oh my goodness, thank goodness, thank goodness,” said Mary-Ann Hoch. “Long overdue.”

“In the last few years, it seems like they’re always fixing a little bit here, a little bit there,” said Rakel Hreidarsdottir, who lives near the busy boulevard. “They just have to take it all at once and do a better job this time.”

Buckley said if the project plan is approved, staff will try to focus on one side of Ira Needles Boulevard at a time to minimize disruption for local businesses and residents.

“I can’t see at any point where we’d close the entire road down,” he said.

“It’s going to be a major disruption,” said resident Bev Smith. “It’s going to be a royal pain in the butt. But in the end, it’ll definitely be worth it.”

Next steps

The report was brought to the Region’s Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development committee Tuesday. At the meeting, councillors decided more information was needed from staff regarding the project’s financial implications, as well as where it falls in this year’s list of regional projects. The committee referred the report to the next regional council meeting set for May 20.

If council chooses to move forward with the recommendation, construction on Ira Needles Boulevard could start as soon as this summer.