Earlier this week, two westbound lanes were immediately closed on Grand Avenue in front of Crabby Joes.
It’s reported that the problem was caused by a failed drainage culvert under the roadway that provides an outlet to the Thames River for the large drain bordering the courthouse property and the restaurant parking lot.
Chatham-Kent director of drainage, asset and waste management, Tim Dick, says “the repair is a complicated project with a deep excavation and numerous utilities to be re-routed. There is also a need to sustain drainage under the road to the river during the construction.”
A full closure of Grand Avenue West for through traffic only for an extended period is necessary, in order for repairs to commence. Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre and Chatham-Kent Health and Family Services Building and the court building will be open. Drivers should remain vigilant of detour signs placed at Grand Ave. and Lacroix St, and Grand and Keil Dr.
The suggested detour route for through traffic are Richmond Street via Lacroix St. and Keil Dr.
Road crews will work as promptly as possible to ease any traffic congestion of this major east/west route through the city.