Fredericton gears up for 'manageable' construction season
Drivers can expect delays as the city embarks on its annual list of major projects
Drivers and pedestrians in Fredericton can expect to run into closures and delays this summer, but city staff say the work may be slightly less disruptive than the last couple of years.
"I would say this year we still need the public to be patient to respect the construction sites, but we really do think that this season there's lots going on, but manageable," said Melissa Steeves, the city's assistant manager of engineering, design and construction.
Headlining this year's major projects are a new roundabout at Prospect Street and Patience Lane, improvements to Main Street and the next phase of work on Riverside Drive.
But drivers won't have to worry about the closure of Regent Street this year after major infrastructure work wrapped up last fall.
Councillor Bruce Grandy, who's also the city's mobility committee chair, is asking the public for patience.
"There will be interruptions in certain areas of the city," he said.
"We value the patience of the motoring public and the citizens we have. It is difficult at times, but it's something that we need to do."
Much of the work is focused on replacing water and sewer infrastructure to make sure the city can handle current and future growth.
"Each of these projects goes under a lens to look at 'is there growth going to happen in that area? Should we upsize?' ... And we're doing that very well," Grandy said.
"We're constantly looking at that, so I think we're able to address the future."
There are a total of 40 projects planned, which includes seven major infrastructure projects and paving work on 28 streets.
The new roundabout planned for Patience Lane and Prospect Street will be similar to the one built on Brookside Drive, slowing traffic in a high-speed traffic area and allowing for easier access to the High Point Ridge neighbourhood as well as the new development at Golf Club Road.
The work will involve the closure of Prospect, but city staff aren't yet sure for how long.
On the north side, Main Street will be closed for the summer between Brookside Drive and Hillcourt Drive to allow for infrastructure improvements and streetscaping work.
Traffic will be detoured up Fulton Avenue to MacFarlane Street and finally to Brookside Drive. Traffic calming measures like rubber speedbumps will be installed soon.
Riverside Drive has been a point of frustration for drivers for the last two years, causing detours and delays, but this year's work will not require an extended shutdown. Work will focus on raising the road and moving city infrastructure out of the work area for an upcoming provincial project to install a roundabout to link the Princess Margaret Bridge with the Marysville bypass.
Road closures required
Some other projects will require road closures.
Work on Northumberland Street will continue, closing the street from Brunswick Street to Saunders Street.
Crockett Street from Long Court to Canada Street will be closed for most of the summer as water and sewer infrastructure is replaced to keep up with the growing neighbourhood. A new active transportation link, similar to the new cross-town trail section on Smythe Street will also be added.
Lincoln Road from Wilsey Road to the trail crossing will also be closed for the summer as the road is raised to improve flood resiliency. That will mean, similar to two years ago, a lengthy detour up Wilsey Road.
Finally, small closures are planned for the Westmorland Street bridge approach on Cliffe Street and work taking place on Union, Babbitt and Gill streets. That work is for improved sewer and water infrastructure.
The Nashwaak trail bridge will also be closed for the summer to allow for new decking and railings. The Gibson Trail can still be accessed by Union Street.
Paving is planned for large sections of Regent, York and St. Mary's streets.
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