York Road reconstruction

The York Road reconstruction program

The City of Guelph is completing the York Road reconstruction program to increase water, wastewater and multimodal transportation (pedestrians, cyclists and motorists) servicing for future city growth. The project will improve existing and future services for residents and businesses city-wide.

Construction will take place over several phases:

• Phase 1 – Wyndham Street to Ontario Street (completed in 2017)
• Phase 2 – Ontario Street to Stevenson Street South (completed in 2022)
• Phase 3 – Stevenson Street South to Victoria Road South (Spring 2023 – Winter 2024)
  • Surface paving completed in Spring 2025
• Phase 4 – Victoria Road South to east city limit (Spring 2025 to Winter 2028)
  • Stage 1: Watson Parkway to east city limit (Underway)
  • Stage 2A: Watson Road North and York Road (2026)
  • Stage 2B: Victoria Road South to Industrial Place/ North Side of Watson Road (2027)
  • Stage 3: Industrial Place to Watson Parkway (2028)

These dates are the City’s current estimate of when construction will be completed given the status of the individual projects. Please note these dates may change as new information becomes available.

Business access

All businesses in the area are open and access will be maintained during construction.

Phase 3: Stevenson Street South to Victoria Road South

The City worked with Navacon Construction Inc. to complete Phase 3 of the York Road reconstruction project. All planned work, including underground infrastructure upgrades, surface paving, and landscaping, was completed in Spring 2025. Phase 3 is now in the warranty period.

Phase 4: Victoria Road South to east city limit

The City is continuing work on the York Road reconstruction project. The design for Phase 4, Stage 1 has been completed, and construction is currently underway. This stage focuses on critical infrastructure improvements to support future phases of the project. Work will progress in stages over the coming years, with all construction on York Road anticipated to be fully completed by 2030. Similar to Phase 3, the City will execute the project in three stages to address and minimize traffic related challenges.

Stage 1: Watson Parkway to east city limit

Construction for York Road Phase 4 Stage 1 began in spring 2025. The new watermain has been installed along the corridor, but it is not yet connected and ready for use. We’ve also finished most of the storm sewer work and installed catch basins between Watson Parkway and Watson Road, except for hooking up some pipes from nearby parking lots. We plan to finish paving by mid-December, so the road is ready for winter. After that, construction will pause for the season and start again in 2026. These improvements will lead to smoother roads, better drainage, and reliable water service once everything is complete.

Throughout the construction period, two-way traffic will be maintained on York Road. However, temporary short-term lane adjustments may be implemented as needed. No full road closures of York Road are planned, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow. Additionally, access to adjacent properties and businesses will be maintained, allowing normal operations to continue during the construction process.

In 2026, we plan to upgrade the York Road corridor from Watson Road South to City Limits. The work includes:

• installing new watermains
• upgrading sanitary sewers
• repaving the roadway
• building a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
• adding new traffic signals at the Watson Parkway/Watson Road intersection
• installing stormwater infiltration basins along York Road

These improvements will provide residents with safer travel, better water and sewer services, enhanced stormwater management, and more options for walking and cycling.

Stage 2 and 3: Victoria Road South to Industrial Place/ North Side of Watson Road and Industrial Place to Watson Parkway

Upgrades on York Road Phase 4 Stages 2 and 3 are currently in design the phase. A consultant, RVA has been retained and is actively developing a detailed design for these stages. We will share additional updates about the project’s next steps as the design progresses.

Background

As a truck and Guelph Transit route, York Road is a critical arterial road in Guelph. The York Road Environmental Assessment was completed to address travel needs along York Road. The Environmental Assessment identified the improvements to be made along York Road from Wyndham Street to the eastern City limit, east of Watson Road. The York Road environmental design study will identify the design options for improvements from Victoria to the eastern City limits.

The Cycling Master Plan is a 10-year strategy to make cycling easier, safer and more accessible in Guelph by building a connected network of on– and off–road bike facilities throughout Guelph. It is part of the City of Guelph’s efforts to support sustainable transportation, relieve traffic congestion, and make mobility accessible to all road users. Improvements along York Road will also help to accommodate all road users, including public transit, cycling, pedestrians and vehicles.

All construction notices, including timing updates and traffic changes will be posted at guelph.ca/construction and in the latest updates section below.

Community engagement

The City hosts open houses to provide detailed information about the project.  Open house notices are posted in the latest updates section below. Open house materials will be available online following the event. Please visit Have Your Say for more information.

For more information

York Road Phase 3 (Stevenson to Victoria)

York Road Phase 4 (Victoria to east city limit)