Frequently Asked Questions

1. General Construction Information

What is the difference between road resurfacing, rehabilitation and reconstruction?

• Road Resurfacing: A thin layer of surface asphalt is removed and replaced. Services beneath the road (water, sewer, storm) are not changed.
• Road Rehabilitation: The full asphalt structure is renewed in a two-step process. First, the existing asphalt is recycled on site and used as the base material. Then, a new layer of asphalt is added as the driving surface. Note: There may be several weeks or months between these two steps, as different contractors complete each stage.
• Road Reconstruction: The entire road, including asphalt and subsurface materials, is removed and rebuilt. Reconstruction is generally timed with underground service replacements undertaken by the Townships/Municipalities.

What is the typical construction working hours?
Construction generally occurs Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Some utility or intersection work may require evening, night, or weekend hours depending on the project schedule and weather conditions.

How will I know when these projects will occur?
All construction projects listed are scheduled for 2026. Project timelines, notices, and traffic impacts will be shared through this engagement site, our Elgin County Facebook page, and our Municipal 511 website.

What can and cannot be controlled during construction?
The County works closely with contractors to minimize disruption. Some factors, like weather, are beyond our control and may affect project schedules. Updates will be provided when changes occur.

2. Property Owner Considerations

Should I protect my lawn-watering systems, landscaping, or fencing?
Property owners with privately owned lawn-watering systems, landscaping, or fencing on the road allowance may need to remove and reinstall these items at their own expense. Contact the County Project Manager to determine if any items require relocation before construction or you’re unsure where the property line is located.

What do I do about vibration during construction?
Heavy equipment may cause vibration. Please protect valuables that could be damaged by removing them from shelves, etc.

Will my driveway or walkway be replaced with the same material that was there before?
Your driveway and walkways will generally be replaced with the same material as best as possible, except for stamped or coloured concrete.

When will damaged grass be restored after construction?
Grassed areas affected by construction will be restored with topsoil and new sod where appropriate and hydroseed elsewhere. Contractors will water and care for the sod for 60 days. Residents are encouraged to help with watering during this time. After 60 days, maintenance becomes the property owner’s responsibility.

How long do I need to wait before accessing my driveway after paving or curb placement?

• After paving: One working day.
• After curb or sidewalk placement: Minimum of three days to allow concrete to cure and support vehicle weight (weather dependent – colder temperatures result in a longer curing time).

3. Utilities & Services

Should I expect an interruption in my water service?
Water service may be temporarily interrupted if the project involves replacing a watermain. Residents and businesses will receive a door hanger from the Township/Municipality with more details at least 24 hours in advance. Temporary disruptions typically last 30 minutes or less per property. Most County projects do not include watermain replacement; this is managed by the local municipality.

What should I do if my landline or internet cuts out during construction?
Notify your service provider, the County Project Manager and the contractor. Contact information is provided on construction notices and on this engagement site. Ultimately, the repair will be undertaken by the service provider on their schedule and is not undertaken by the County or contractor.

Why do I have overland wires from Bell or Rogers on my lawn?
Service wires may be temporarily placed above ground if cut or disturbed during construction. Once work is complete, service technicians will re-bury the wires.

Will school bus routes be affected?
Major construction may affect bus routes. The County works with the bus company, which will notify affected riders and provide instructions.

What will happen to my mail service during and after construction?
Mailboxes may be temporarily relocated. Canada Post will provide temporary keys and instructions for mail pickup. Mail service will return to normal once construction concludes at Canada Posts’ discretion.

4. Traffic & Access

Will I have access to my driveway during construction?
Yes, though, disruptions will occur during underground work or concrete curing. When concrete curbs or sidewalks are being installed, access may be restricted for up to a week. Residents can park on nearby streets or on the construction site outside of working hours. Vehicles will not be ticketed for overnight parking during construction. If you have mobility or accessibility concerns, please contact the County Project Manager for special considerations.

Will I be able to access my driveway during paving operations?
Driveway access may be temporarily restricted. Remove vehicles from your driveway by 7:00 am on paving days if you require the use of them. Restrictions typically last one working day per placement. Door hangers will be utilized notifying residents of the disruption.

Will garbage and recycling be picked up?
The County and contractor will maintain collection schedules. Containers should be labeled with your address to ensure they are returned correctly if relocated for ease of pick up.

Why is there a boulevard between the curb and sidewalk?
The boulevard improves pedestrian safety by separating the sidewalk from the road and provides space for snow storage in winter, road signs and utilities.

5. Safety & Communication

Who do I contact with project-related inquiries?
Questions can be directed to the County Project Manager, site inspector or email engineering@elgin.ca to get in touch with the County Engineering Department.

How should I plan for construction zones?
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, use alternate routes, when possible, slow down in work zones, and watch for signage. Residents can sign up for construction updates through Engage Elgin and bookmark Municipal 511 for County projects and detour routes.

What happens if there is a deficiency after construction is completed?
County Road projects include up to a two-year warranty. The County conducts walkthroughs to identify deficiencies, which are corrected by the contractor. Issues reported outside the warranty period are not the contractor’s responsibility and will be reviewed by County staff for remediation.