Steps to Plan and Implement a Major Road Construction Project

The process to plan and implement a project from the City’s Capital Program generally requires 4 to 5 years to complete, as follows:

STEP 1 - Identify the 10-year Capital Plan

• The 10-year Roads Capital Plan is based on the City’s Transportation and Transit Master Plan.
• The yearly budget process includes the review of each project. The project timing may be reprioritized depending on development within the City and available funding.
• City Council approves the budget for the first year of the 10-Year Capital Program. The remaining 9 years are presented as a forecast.

STEP 2 - Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Process

• Municipalities are required to undertake a detailed assessment of the natural, socio-economic and cultural environment before starting a major road construction project. The Class EA is a decision-making process, which is used to determine the potential effects and benefits of certain activities on the environment.
• The public may comment on the project any time during the EA process, including at public meetings.  
• Click here to learn more about this process mandated by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
• Typically, the Class EA process takes 12 to 18 months to complete.

STEP 3 - Detail Design Phase

• The Detail Design Phase includes the preparation of the design drawings, technical specifications and construction contract documents for road construction projects.
• Local municipalities, government agencies, conservation authorities, and utility companies are consulted during this phase.
• The detailed design is based on the City of Brampton’s applicable design codes/guidelines, and the Engineering Design Standard Drawings.
• The Detail Design Phase can take up to a year to complete.

STEP 4 - Property Acquisitions and Utility Relocations

• Infrastructure improvement projects typically require the City to purchase private property to expand the right of way.
• Property acquisitions may take up to one year to complete, and are completed at the same time as the Detail Design Phase.
• Hydro, telephone, cable services and gas utilities are typically relocated to allow for the road construction.
• Utility relocations are typically completed before the start of construction.

STEP 5 - Tender and Contract Award

• A tender is a legal document that is used as an invitation for contractors to submit a quotation to perform work for the City. Tenders estimated to be greater than $100,000.00 will be advertised.
• Tenders are evaluated in accordance with the City’s Purchasing By-law. Award of the construction contract requires Council approval depending on the value.
• The tender process may take from six to eight weeks.

STEP 6 - Construction Begins

During construction, the City is responsible for:

• Monitoring construction progress to ensure the work meets City Standards.
• Ensuring traffic flow is maintained during construction.
• Coordinating and resolving any traffic and property concerns that result due to construction.
• Construction usually begins two to three weeks after the contract tender has been awarded and can take up to two years to complete.