You can now get info on two road construction projects via text

The Region of Waterloo is testing out texting as a way to give locals updates on major roadwork.

The texting pilot project launched this week for two construction projects. One is the ongoing improvements in the Bleams Road area of Kitchener, while the other is construction in the Fountain Street and Maple Grove Road area of Cambridge.

Residents can text either “BLRD” or “FNST” to 57555 and within seconds, they’ll get an automated response about each project.

That response will include a summary of the construction including timing, road closures, lane restrictions and detours.

Signs are also posted in both construction zones with each text number; “BLRD” is for the Bleams Road project, and “FNST” is for the Fountain/Maple Grove project.

“We understand road construction can impact our daily commute; this texting pilot is a way to track and measure if sharing construction information in the moment will help residents navigate construction and keep updated on projects,” said Colleen James, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Sustainability, Infrastructure and Development Committee, in a release.

Everyone is reminded to never text while driving.

You can share feedback and suggestions on the texting pilot project by emailing comms@regionofwaterloo.ca.