Ira Needles road resurfacing to extend to final portion of roadway
Posted Aug 28, 2026 09:28:14 AM.
Last Updated Aug 28, 2026 09:27:50 AM.
Long awaited road resurfacing along Ira Needles Boulevard has been well underway this month, with construction crews set to stretch to Erb Street West next week.
Since mid-August, crews have been tearing up and preparing portions of the roadway by Highland Road West and Yellow Birch Drive for repaving, with alternating lane closures in place during the day.
There have also been intermittent ramp closures to and from Highway 7/8.
The specific dates and times of those ramp closures has not been shared, but signs on the expressway since late July have directed motorists to detour using the Fischer-Hallman Road and Queen Street/Notre Dame Drive exits.
The Region of Waterloo’s construction notices listed the work as extending from University Avenue West to Erb Street West on Aug. 31, which marks the final portion of the roadway to be impacted.
Ira Needles Boulevard becomes Erbsville Road past the Erb Street West roundabout.
Overnight road closures will also be in place next week on Ira Needles between the expressway and Victoria Street South for paving.
“During the day (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.), two-way traffic will be maintained with one lane open in each direction,” said regional officials.
“During the night (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.), the road will be fully closed for paving operations. Full overnight closures will only occur when paving is taking place and may not be required every night.”
The full project is expected to take until October to complete.
Regional council approved the $4.5 million road resurfacing plan in the spring.
A staff report at the time said the roadway that connects the expressway to the Boardwalk was “past the point of repairs” and would require an entirely new surface to be safe for drivers.
For multiple years, the roadway has been named the worst road in Waterloo Region in the CAA’s annual Worst Roads Campaign.
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