Work has commenced on the Queens Line and Merlin Road Intersection Improvements, Municipal officials say.
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.
“Construction is being completed in two phases, with work underway this year to realign Merlin Road north and south of Queens Line, followed by work in Spring 2025 to realign Queens Line, construct the roundabout, and complete rehabilitation of the bridge,” Municipal officials said in a media release.
“A full closure of Merlin Road is currently in place from Gleeson Line to McDougall Line as part of the realignment of Merlin Road. 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 encouraged to follow posted signage and drive slowly through the construction limits.”
Construction of a new roundabout at the Queens Line and Merlin Road intersection was recommended through studies undertaken to assess safety improvements for the intersection and is being funded through Municipal Capital and Right-Of-Way reserves, Municipal officials say.
“Rehabilitation of the bridge adjacent to the intersection has been advanced at the same time as the construction of the new roundabout to ensure efficiencies in cost and coordination between the two projects and is being funded from the Municipality’s Bridge lifecycle reserve, which funds the rehabilitation and replacement costs of existing aging bridge infrastructure,” Municipal officials say.
“These projects are being completed in advance of the Ministry of Transportation’s Highway 401 Bloomfield Road Interchange Project.”
The Municipality has retained Huron Construction to complete the two projects under one contract, Municipal officials added.
“Motorists are advised to follow construction detour signage at all times as the dates of road closures may change as work progresses,” Municipal officials say.
“Access to all properties will be maintained throughout the project. The contractor will take every precaution to minimize interruptions, but there may be some inconvenience during work. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent thanks motorists for their patience during this important infrastructure work.”
For regular construction updates and further information, visit the Chatham-Kent Construction Projects website at www.chatham-kent.ca/constructionprojects.
