Release
Friday, November 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City begins two road construction projects Nov. 9

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – Crews will begin laying the groundwork next week for two important traffic projects that will make Charlottetown an easier city to get around in.
The first phase of the University Avenue widening project starts Nov. 9 when contractors begin widening the section of University Avenue -- between Browns Court and Enman Crescent – from two to four lanes.
"Making this stretch of University Avenue four lanes will certainly improve traffic flow to the downtown by reducing the bottleneck that now occurs," said the Chair of the City’s Public Works Committee Terry Bernard.
"We’re working with the contractors to minimize traffic delays during the construction period."
For the next six weeks, crews will be placing and compacting fill on the west side of University Ave., moving pedestrians to the west side and infilling work on the east side.
Traffic flow will continue in both directions with small periods of one-way alternating, if it becomes necessary and flaggers will be posted at each end of the section to direct traffic.
They will let the materials "settle" throughout the winter and carry out the majority of the project in 2010.
This project will create dual-lane travel in each direction from Belvedere Ave. to Capital Dr.
Crews will not only widen the road, but build turning lanes and make other changes to the existing right-of-way. Upgrades will be made to the University Ave./Enman Crescent intersection for better left-turning, and sidewalks will be built on the west side of University Ave. from Belvedere Ave. to Enman Cres.. Crews will also review and upgrade traffic control signals at University Avenue and Belvedere and Belvedere and Mount Edward Road.
The City will release a formal design of the 2010 work plan in the spring.
Also beginning Monday, the City will lay the groundwork for a re-design of the intersection of Allen St. at Mt. Edward Road.
This upgrade of underground services will position the City for the intersection redesign which includes the new storm sewer system, sidewalks and street lighting.
The cooperation and understanding of the area businesses, residents and general public is greatly appreciated during these improvements.

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Contact

Terry Bernard
Public Works and Street Lighting Chair
City of Charlottetown
902.368.1634