County Greenlights Massive 2026 Rural Road Renewal Program

Mar 12

2 min read

Prince Edward County is gearing up for its most ambitious rural infrastructure project to date. During a March 10 meeting, County Council officially greenlit a comprehensive repair strategy that will see significant investment in the region’s aging transit corridors.

Breaking Down the $14 Million Investment

A narrow road winds through lush green trees and fields under a blue sky with scattered clouds, conveying a peaceful rural scene.

The 2026 budget allocates a total of $14 million to roadwork, headlined by a $4.4 million contract awarded to Miller Paving Limited for rural rehabilitation. This represents an increase of nearly $874,000 over last year's spending.

Key reconstruction projects for the year include:

Barker Street: From Downes to Johnson.
Bowery Street: Spanning Barker to King, and the southern section from Mary Street.
County Road 3: A 2km stretch targeted for full reconstruction.

The Strategy: Rescue vs. Resilience

The County is utilizing a tiered approach to road maintenance, matching the specific treatment to the current state of the pavement.

1. Double Surface Treatment (The "Rescue" Phase)

Reserved for roughly 20 km of roads nearing total failure. This intensive process involves rebuilding the road structure followed by a double layer of sealant.

Target Areas: Sections of Salem Rd, Victoria Rd, County Rd 13, Carnrike Rd, County Rd 28, County Rd 35, and Blakely Rd.

2. Single Surface Treatment (The "Resilience" Phase)

Also known as "tar-and-chip," this preventative method covers nearly 30 km. It is designed to extend the lifespan of roads currently in stable condition.

Target Areas: Portions of Badgley Rd, Fry Rd, Marisett Rd, County Rd 8, Morrison Point Rd, County Rd 20, Huff Island Rd, and Old Milford Rd.

3. Micro Surfacing

Applied to 4.5 km of asphalt (including County Rd 14 and County Rd 33), this technique restores traction and smooths the surface to prevent long-term degradation.