A traffic headache on Tecumseh Road at Walker Road is expected to come to an end soon, according to Enwin Utilities.
Enwin has been working on a Windsor Utilities Commission watermain project since May. It was supposed to be finished months ago but a spokesperson for Enwin cited “challenges during the tunnelling phase” for causing about six weeks of delays.
Enwin would not elaborate on the details of the tunneling issue but said in a statement that the project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
The project means traffic is down to one lane in each direction on part of Tecumseh Road and there are turning restrictions at the intersection with Walker Road and lane restrictions on Walker.
Businesses in the area say the months-long project has been costly.
“It’s absolutely hurting all aspects of my business,” said Jason Bray, co-owner of Motor City Chrysler, which is located at the intersection. “I have customers that I can’t get down here for service. They don’t want to fight the construction. I have people that would like to buy a car, but they don’t want to drive down here.”
Bray is frustrated he is not getting answers from Enwin.
A worker works on a watermain project on Tecumseh Road. (Dale Molnar/CBC)
Steven Yago is the owner of a barbershop near the intersection on Tecumseh Road. The construction barrels restrict traffic right in front of his shop and have been there since May. He says walk-in business has dried up.
“It’s a mess, honestly. All my customers, they can’t park. They can’t go inside the shop. It’s just so difficult,” said Yago.
Across the street at the Work Authority, clerk Jay Redmond estimates they’ve lost about 40 per cent of their normal business. He has only one thing to say to Enwin.
“Just get it done guys. That’s all I’ve got to say about it,” said Redmond.
The $13.3-million project is being done in phases and will be completed by 2027.