The Department of Transportation and Public Works will be holding a demonstration for motorists this weekend to help the public become more familiar with safe traffic practices while using a roundabout. This is being done as part of the public education effort around the new roundabout currently being constructed in Traveller’s Rest.
The Traveller’s Rest intersection is located just outside of Summerside and joins up Route 1A with Route 2, the province’s Veterans Memorial Highway. Construction on the roundabout project began in late June following the design, public consultation and tendering phases. The roundabout is anticipated to be completed and operational by mid to late August, weather and work schedule permitting.
“The work now underway at Traveller’s Rest will see Prince Edward Island’s first roundabout created as we work to improve safety, traffic flow and capacity along Route 2, the province’s Veterans Memorial Highway. One of the advantages of a roundabout is that it helps keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduces demand for traffic lights. The demonstration taking place this weekend will be an opportunity for interested motorists who would like to become more familiar with using a roundabout safely,” said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea.
The roundabout demonstration will take place at Slemon Park in Summerside on Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists will have an opportunity to drive through a mock roundabout to gain a greater familiarity with using it. Staff from the Department of Transportation and Public Works will be on hand to assist motorists during the demonstration.
The construction of the roundabout at Traveller’s Rest, valued at approximately $1 Million, is being funded through the Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) and is part of an $18 Million joint investment by the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island to improve safety, traffic flow and capacity along Route 2, the province’s Veterans Memorial Highway.