The final phase of the Township of Blandford-Blenheim’s Princeton construction project will be taking place throughout the month of September.
The multi-year drainage and road reconstruction project first began in 2022 with the expansion of the west pond. In 2023, the east pond was built, and construction on the drain and roads started on the southwest side of the village.
Work continued in 2024 on the north side of the CN rail line, and in 2025, the east side of the village and Main Street were reconstructed, with work concluding the spring.
The tender for Phase 5 was published on May 28, 2026, and the Township received a total of eight bids ranging from $1,091,195.04 and $1,550,185.35 (excluding HST).
Council later awarded Armstrong Paving and Materials Group Ltd. the contract, as its price was the lowest of the eight.
According to a staff report from June 17, staff checked company references and saw Armstrong Paving and Materials Group Ltd. had done similar work for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Municipality of Lambton Shores and the Town of Amherstburg.
With $1-million allocated in the 2026 budget including $650,000 from the Township and $350,000 from Oxford County, the project is expected to come in $91,195 over budget.
The report also stated that the cost of the signalized pedestrian crossing, estimated at $35,649, was not included in the budget and will be funded by Oxford County.
As far as what residents can expect from the final phase of the project, the construction schedule is as follows:
Week of August 31
Traffic control measures, saw cutting, curb and sidewalk work, and the installation of the pedestrian cross at Main Street and Elgin Street.
Week of September 8
Manhole and catch basin adjustments, and the paving of Main Street.
Week of September 14
Manhole and catch basin adjustments, and paving of side streets.
Week of September 21
Topsoil and sod installation, cleanup, final inspection and completion of the project.
While the schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, roads will remain open to local traffic and businesses during construction, though motorists should expect delays and temporary lane closures.
In an email to the Brant Beacon, Kevin Brandt, Township Deputy Clerk and Communications Coordinator, reminded residents to take the construction into account when travelling through the area.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete the final phase of the Princeton road project,” he said. “Please give construction crews the time and space they need to work safely, and plan your route accordingly while work is underway.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
