Ira Needles Boulevard Resurfacing

Overview

Project number: 07517 | Updated: July 2026

The Region of Waterloo is resurfacing Ira Needles Boulevard between Yellow Birch Drive and Erb Street West. Deterioration of the pavement on the road has accelerated and has been further worsened by recent winter freeze-thaw conditions.

Maintaining a safe, reliable road network is one of the Region’s core responsibilities. This work will improve the roadway and support the reliable movement of people and goods while helping maintain an accessible and connected transportation network. The work includes:

Asphalt resurfacing
Installation of new curbs in various areas
Manhole and catch basin lid adjustments

This project will be completed in stages:

Stage 1: Yellow Birch Road to Highland Road (including Highland roundabout)
Stage 2: Highland Road to University Road to Fairway Road North/Kossuth Road
Stage 3: University Road to Erb Street West (including University Road roundabout)

Schedule

Design and planning: May - June 2026
Construction: July 2026 - September 2026

Note: timing may be affected by weather conditions and changing project scope; updates will be posted as needed.

Budget

$4,500,000 (TBC)

Getting around during construction

Ira Needles Boulevard will be under construction from July 27 to September 7, 2026, between Yellow Birch Drive and Erb Street West. The project includes nighttime paving operations.

During the day (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.), two-way traffic will be maintained with one lane open in each direction. During the night (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.), the road will be fully closed for paving operations. Full overnight closures will only occur when paving is taking place and may not be required every night.

During overnight closures, road users will be detoured via regional roads. Detour routes may include Fischer-Hallman Road, Erb Street West, University Avenue, Victoria Street and Highland Road. Please follow posted detour signage and allow extra travel time.

For the latest transit information, visit www.grt.ca/alerts-and-detours.Sidewalks will remain open throughout construction. Pedestrians should follow posted signage when travelling through the work zone.