The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is set to resume construction on the Queens Line and Merlin Road Intersection Improvements.
This work includes two projects: the construction of a single lane roundabout, and the rehabilitation of the Queens Line Bridge just west of the intersection over Government Drain No. 1. The Municipality has retained Huron Construction to complete the two projects under one contract.
Huron Construction is tentatively scheduled to mobilize equipment and install traffic control signage and detour route information starting the week of March 17, 2025, Municipal officials say.
Work this spring is planned to be executed in three phases.
Phase 1 involves construction work in the westbound traffic lane of Queens Line. During this phase of work, Queens Line will remain open to traffic however lanes will be shifted south. Motorists may see some delays, and there is the potential for short term lane reductions down to one lane with flagging on Queens Line at times during the construction. This phase also requires a full closure of Merlin Road between Queens Line and McDougall Line. This road closure is scheduled to commence on Monday, March 24, 2025. Merlin Road south of Queens Line will remain open during this time. Phase 1 is anticipated to take approximately 6 weeks to complete.
Phase 2, later this spring, will involve construction work in the eastbound traffic lane of Queens Line, with traffic shifted to the north. During this phase, Queens line will be reduced to a single lane of traffic. Temporary Portable Traffic Signals will be installed on Queens Line to safely direct traffic through the construction zone. This phase also requires a full closure of Merlin Road between Gleeson Line and McDougall Line. Phase 2 is anticipated to take approximately 5 weeks to complete.
Phase 3 will involve construction of the middle section of the roundabout at the realigned intersection of Queens Line and Merlin Road. This phase will involve lane shifts, however a full closure of Queens Line will be required for a short duration to fully complete the roundabout. Exact timing of the full closure will be shared with the public when this is scheduled later in the Spring.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent will continue to update the public as each phase of work approaches, officials say.
The Municipality also reminds motorists that reduced speed limits have been implemented along Queens Line through this area as part of the construction work and will remain in place once the new roundabout is built.
Motorists are advised to follow posted speed signage and construction detour signage at all times, as the dates of the closures may change as work progresses.
Access to all properties will be maintained throughout the project.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent thanks motorists for their patience during this important infrastructure work.
For regular construction updates and further information, please visit the Chatham-Kent Construction Projects website at www.chatham-kent.ca/constructionprojects.
