The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has advised the Municipality of Markstay-Warren that pavement preservation work on Highway 535 is scheduled to begin July 21st, 2026 and is expected to continue through November 2026, weather permitting.
The project will take place along Highway 535 from approximately 8 kilometres north of the Highway 64 junction to Highway 17, covering nearly 30 kilometres of roadway.
According to the MTO, the work is part of its regular highway resurfacing program and is intended to improve ride quality, address existing pavement deterioration, and extend the service life of the highway.
What Work Is Being Completed?
The project includes two pavement preservation treatments:
Inverted Cape Seal
An inverted cape seal treatment will be applied on Highway 535 from 8 kilometres north of Highway 64 to the south end of St. Charles (Notre Dame Street), as well as approximately 400 metres at the north end of St. Charles.
This process involves:
- Applying a micro-surfacing layer to the existing asphalt surface.
- Filling wheel ruts and cracks.
- Overlaying the surface with a seal coat to create the final driving surface.
Double Seal Coat
A double seal coat treatment will be applied on Highway 535 from the north end of St. Charles to Highway 17. This work involves placing two layers of binder and aggregate on the existing roadway surface.
In addition, granular shoulder improvements will be completed between St. Charles and Highway 17, including the placement and compaction of Granular “A” material along sections with partially paved shoulders.
Dust and Loose Aggregate Management
The Ministry recognizes that road treatment activities can create concerns related to dust and loose stone. To help minimize impacts on residents and motorists, the contractor will implement measures including:
- Using washed aggregates.
- Applying a fog seal to fresh pavement treatments.
- Sweeping loose aggregate from the roadway.
The fog seal consists of a light application of emulsified asphalt and sand designed to reduce aggregate loss and dust during the curing process.
Motorists Advised to Plan for Construction Activity
Residents and travellers can expect construction-related traffic impacts while work is underway. The MTO advises that crews will work diligently to complete the project and deliver a roadway surface that is safe, durable, and resilient for the travelling public.
The Municipality of Markstay-Warren will share additional information as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to drive with caution in construction zones and follow all posted traffic control measures.