The reconstruction of Kitchener’s Frederick Street bridge has come a long way since its demolition in December of last year, transforming from a complete tear-down into an active build zone. But for local shop owners nearby, the project isn’t moving fast enough and the extended timeline is taking a heavy toll. Construction was originally scheduled to wrap up in November of this year, but completion of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) project has now been delayed until August of next year. The ward’s councillor says the work needs to be done to make way for the expansion of Highway 7, but noted the project ran into timeline challenges. “My understanding is it had to be delayed,” said City Councillor Stephanie Stretch. “They had a really ambitious timeline, and due to some weather concerns, the ambitious timeline had to be pushed back.” Stretch acknowledged the frustration surrounding the delay, but remains hopeful about the long-term outcome. “Just really a little annoyed that it’s going to take longer than had hoped,” Stretch added. “But I think it’s going to be worth it in the end.” “It actually ruined my business” For Neslihan Gokcen, owner of Noor Boutique located right next to the construction zone, the bridge work completion may come far too late. “Everything is worse now,” Gokcen said. “I’m trying to move out to find another store, but financially I’m struggling because of this construction. It actually ruined my business.” Gokcen said she lost all of her usual foot traffic once the work started, and drivers trying to reach her shop often give up before getting there. “When they just drive around, if they don’t find it, they go,” Gokcen said. “And then the next time they think that it’s in their mind or the road is closed, that there’s a construction, they don’t want to come back.” The ongoing disruption has left her struggling to cover basic operating expenses. “I can hardly cover my expenses and I don’t get any profit,” she said. “So, like, what’s the meaning then?” Bound by a three-year agreement, Gokcen said she likely will be gone by the end of October. “But to be honest, if I knew that there will be construction for sure I wouldn’t rent the store and I wouldn’t make the three years agreement,” she added. What’s next? According to the project’s official website, crews will spend the remainder of this year completing the formwork and bridge deck. Major tasks including barrier walls, waterproofing, and electrical work are scheduled to be completed next year, before the estimated August reopening. In a statement sent late Thursday, the Ministry of Transportation addressed the timeline for the project. “Frederick Street Bridge construction is on track with the project team working closely with the contractor and stakeholders to complete the remaining work safely and as efficiently as possible,” a spokesperson for the MTO told CTV News.
