New roundabout coming at Moncton highway ramps, city chips in $1.1M
CBC
The New Brunswick government plans to build a roundabout for Trans-Canada Highway ramps on Mapleton Road in Moncton.
The two-lane roundabout is planned for the westbound ramps on the north side of the highway. Construction is expected to start in July.
Traffic exiting the westbound lanes trying to turn left onto Mapleton sometimes backs up on the ramp onto the highway.
On Monday afternoon, multiple drivers could be seen turning right and immediately doing a U-turn instead of waiting in the line on the ramp to turn left at the stop sign.
René Lagacé, Moncton's director of engineering, said the backup creates a safety concern that the roundabout should help address.
"That will help with fluidity of traffic, eliminating — well, reducing — some back traffic backups," Lagacé said.
Marc Dionne, who manages three hotels near the highway interchange, said the work should help address safety issues.
"It's an excellent idea," Dionne said. "It will help with the traffic because there's always a buildup of traffic in this area."
The work includes realigning Queensway Drive with Northwood Road and adding traffic lights for the eastbound ramp intersection.
Tender records show the province has yet to award the construction contract.
Northern Construction Inc. was the lowest bidder at $6 million, according to the New Brunswick Opportunities Network website.
Jacob MacDonald, a spokesperson for the province's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, said construction should begin next month and be complete in November.
Detours will take place during construction, and the westbound exit ramp will be closed for part of the time, MacDonald said.
He said construction is expected to cost $6.8 million.
