Town Encourages Residents to Support Local Essex
Construction is underway at the intersection of Maidstone Avenue and Talbot Street North, and the Town of Essex is encouraging residents and visitors to take the detour and continue supporting local businesses throughout the project.
While temporary road closures and traffic changes are necessary to complete the Maidstone-Talbot Intersection Improvements Project, Essex Centre businesses remain open and ready to serve the community.
The Town’s new “Worth the Drive” campaign is reminding residents that reaching businesses in Essex Centre may take only a few extra minutes during construction. By following the posted detours and allowing a little additional travel time, customers can continue to shop, dine and access services from local businesses throughout the construction period.
“Construction can create some temporary challenges, particularly for the businesses located near the project area, but we want residents to know that these businesses are still open and accessible,” said the Mayor of the Town of Essex. “Taking a few extra minutes to follow the detour can make a real difference for our local business owners.”
The Maidstone-Talbot Intersection Improvements Project is one of the Town’s significant infrastructure projects and will deliver a number of long-term improvements, including dedicated turning lanes, modern traffic signals with dedicated cyclist signals, a new sidewalk along Maidstone Avenue, upgraded street lighting and new watermain and storm sewer infrastructure.
The project will also establish the beginning of a future multi-use pathway connecting to planned active transportation infrastructure.
Construction began August 5 and is expected to continue through the summer and fall, with substantial completion anticipated in November 2026.
Essex Centre BIA Community Passport Program
The Town of Essex has partnered with the Essex Centre Business Improvement Area (BIA) to launch the “Worth the Drive” Community Passport, giving residents another reason to visit and support local businesses throughout construction.
Residents can pick up a free passport at participating Essex Centre businesses or at Town Hall. Customers can collect five stamps by visiting participating businesses and then enter for a chance to win BIA Bucks, which can be spent at local businesses in the community.
The Passport program includes two $50 BIA Bucks weekly prizes and three $500 BIA Bucks grand prizes. Participants can also earn a bonus entry by sharing their #WorthTheDrive experience on social media and tagging the Essex Centre BIA.
Passports are available now at participating Essex Centre businesses and at Town Hall. Completed passports can be dropped off at Town Hall for entry into the prize draws.
Residents can learn more about the Maidstone-Talbot Intersection Improvements Project, including construction updates and detour information, at essex.ca/MaidstoneTalbot.
Take the detour. Support local.