Construction projects are scheduled throughout the construction season based on a variety of factors, including minimizing disruptions for residents, weather conditions, operational capacity, contractor availability, and funding.
Construction Projects
Each year Council allocates funds for various capital works projects to improve the City's infrastructure.
City staff prepare proposals for Council's approval. We fund annual projects from the capital out of revenue budget. Multi-year capital works projects are usually cost-shared with other levels of government. Council approves the budget early in the year with projects taking place throughout the construction season.
Current Projects
The City shares information about larger scale construction projects on Engage St. John's. On the site, you can learn more about projects, follow progress and ask questions to the project team.
Street Rehabilitation
Each year, the City completes planned roadway improvements to address aging infrastructure and extend the life of our streets. Depending on the condition of the road, this work may include full rehabilitation or targeted asphalt repairs, sometimes called 'scratch and patch'. The City sends an email of impacted areas weekly during the summer months. Be sure to subscribe to receive alerts.
Traffic Advisories
Stay informed about current traffic impacts in the City of St. John’s. Check out our news section for a listing of traffic advisories related to construction, events and road work. You can also subscribe to receive notices directly to your inbox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
City infrastructure projects are essential to maintaining and improving our community, but they can cause temporary disruption for residents and travellers.
We appreciate your patience during construction season. The FAQs below address some of the most common questions about roadwork and construction.
Why do some construction projects only begin in late summer or early fall?
Why isn’t roadwork completed at night?
Night work is only suitable for certain types of construction projects and is more common on highways or in non-residential areas. In residential neighbourhoods, overnight construction can create significant noise and disruption for nearby residents.
Project scheduling must also consider factors such as worker safety, lighting requirements, operational efficiency, and occupational health and safety regulations. While some work may take place overnight when appropriate, most projects are completed during daytime hours to balance safety, efficiency, and community impacts.
Where possible, contractors are encouraged to schedule work in ways that help reduce traffic delays, particularly during peak travel times.
Why is work returning to a street that was recently completed?
The City makes every effort to minimize repeat construction on the same street; however, this is not always possible. Many projects are delivered in phases or span multiple construction seasons due to their size and complexity.
In some cases, temporary surface work is completed to restore serviceability until underground or follow-up work can be finished in a later stage. This phased approach is guided by the City’s asset management planning and is intended to ensure infrastructure investments are coordinated, cost-effective, and not wasteful, even if work appears to return to the same area.
Why are detours in place when no active work appears to be happening?
Detours are sometimes required in advance of or between stages of construction to ensure work can be carried out safely and efficiently. This may include preparing the site, completing utility or exploratory work, or safely positioning equipment and materials.
While it may not always appear that active construction is underway, these measures are often necessary to maintain safe conditions for both crews and the public. The City works with contractors to ensure detours are kept in place only for as long as required to complete the work safely and efficiently.
Why aren’t major road closures better coordinated so they don’t overlap?
Coordinating construction schedules across all major routes is complex, particularly given the short construction season in Newfoundland and Labrador. Multiple projects often need to progress within the same limited timeframe.
In addition, not all work within the city is managed by the City. Projects may also be carried out by the provincial government, utilities, or other municipalities, each with their own timelines and operational requirements.
While overlaps can sometimes occur, coordination efforts are made wherever possible to manage impacts and maintain reliable transportation routes through the city.
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