Roundabout construction could cause traffic delays

There is more to the proposed $65 million bypass project than a new route around Cornwall.Two new roundabouts are also part of the plan.

Stephen Yeo, chief engineer with the department of transportation, infrastructure and energy, explained the first roundabout will be constructed at the Maypoint Road and Trans-Canada Highway intersection turning left onto Upton Road.

The second roundabout is scheduled for the Poplar Island and Trans-Canada Highway intersection near Cows Creamery and the strip mall. That roundabout will improve the highway's safety and efficiency, Yeo explained Wednesdayon CBC Radio's Mainstreet.

"With the amount of traffic going through there and the speed at times, you certainly see some black marks on the road and so forth that causes concern," he said.

Expect delays

Yeo said the plan is to build temporary roads around the Maypoint Road construction area. The Poplar Island intersection wouldn't need temporary roads, he said.He noted that some delays during peak times in the morning and late afternoon can be expected.

Even so, Yeo said temporary roads have worked well in the past and traffic is expected to move efficiently.

Since the bypass project was just announced, Yeo said the plan is to hold a public meeting to get feedback on the project and explain how traffic will work while construction is underway.

He said if the project is approved by the federal government, it could begin in August with a completion target in 2019.

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