Chatham-Kent council gets update on Talbot Trail

WHEATLEY – A report to Chatham-Kent council on Monday evening, Jan. 17, outlined the progress being made on fixing Talbot Trail (old Hwy 3) east of Wheatley, with a possible start date of spring 2023.

Currently, the highway is closed between Coatsworth Road and Stevenson Road due to massive erosion issues along the shoreline.

In July, 2019, the municipality closed the roadway after it was compromised by erosion. The closure is in force to ensure public safety.

The report at Monday’s council meeting outlined the construction of a by-pass, which will become the new Talbot Trail.

The old Talbot Trail will be kept in place until there are no longer homes in that stretch of the highway, but will not be used as a thoroughfare.

An environmental assessment is currently being done and has been in the works for many months, but it is expected that either Concession 2 or Concession 3 will be the existing road that will form an arterial bypass of the affected area.

Regardless of whichever road is the chosen one, properties will need to be purchased prior to any work being started.