Overview

Project number: 05497 | Updated: May 2026

The Region of Waterloo is planning for the reconstruction of Lancaster Street from Wellington Street to Bridgeport Road in Kitchener. The purpose of this project is to provide facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and transit users, improve traffic operations at intersections, and replace deteriorated pavement, sanitary and storm sewers, and watermains. The proposed work will include:

• Constructing new pedestrian and cycling facilities
• Improving GRT bus stop pads
• Improve the intersections at Bridgeport Road, Elizabeth Street, Louisa Street, and Wellington Street to improve traffic operations
• Reconstructing the road to a two-lane standard (one lane in each direction) from Wellington Street to Bridgeport Road
• Replacing storm and sanitary sewers and watermains from Louisa Street to Bridgeport Road

Schedule

Environmental assessment: 2018 – 2023
Design and planning: 2023 – 2025
Construction: 2026 – 2028 (ongoing)

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

Budget 

$16,400,000

Getting around during construction

From June to Fall 2026, Lancaster Street West will be closed to through traffic between Elizabeth Street and north of Union Street. Local access will be maintained, and access to businesses within the construction area will remain available.

A detour will be in place for road users who normally travel along Lancaster Street West. Traffic will be redirected via Victoria Street North, Weber Street, and Erb Street East/Bridgeport Road East. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and follow posted detour signage while construction is underway.

Contact

Jeff Nyenhuis, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Region of Waterloo
JNyenhuis@regionofwaterloo.ca 

Service First Contact Centre: 519-575-4400

Public engagement 

The public was invited to provide feedback on this project in 2022. For details on those comments and how the Region is responding, visit the EngageWR project page.

This project supports the Region of Waterloo's strategic focus areas: Climate aligned growth and Equitable services and opportunities.