Beginning on Monday, May 4, 2009, the Department of Transportation and Public Works will begin major construction projects in three Island communities. The work includes replacement of the Dunedin Bridge, replacement of the Tyne Valley Bridge, and reconstruction on Route 2 in Hunter River.
“Each of these projects will greatly improve the overall safety and integrity of the Island’s highway system,” says Minister MacKinley. “I’m very pleased to see work getting underway.”
Both the Dunedin Bridge and the Tyne Valley Bridge will be closed to all traffic once the projects begin. Alternate routes will be available for residents, and emergency services have been notified. Route 2 through Hunter River will remain open to road users, however, traffic may be reduced to one lane in some cases so short delays may be expected.
“These three projects will affect these communities to varying degrees,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley.”It’s very important for residents and other road users to use caution in construction zones, obey all traffic control personnel, and slow down.”
BACKGROUND
Dunedin Bridge
The alternate route for traffic heading toward Charlottetown will be Route 19a, the Long Creek Road, to Route 19 and the West River Bridge. For traffic heading toward Borden-Carleton and Summerside, the alternate routes are Route 19 to DeSable or the Bonshaw Road.
The project is expected to be complete in the late fall and the bridge will remain closed to traffic for the duration of construction activities.
Tyne Valley Bridge
A detour will be posted during the replacement of the Tyne Valley Bridge. Traffic approaching Tyne Valley from the Grand River/Birch Hill area will take Route 132, the Northam Road to Route 167, the Allen Road, then head north to Tyne Valley. Traffic leaving Tyne Valley for Route 2 will take Route 167, the Allen Road to Route 132, the Northam Road, then head west to Route 2. All traffic that would normally cross the bridge toward the eastern edge of the community will take Route 167, the Allen Road, to Route 132, the Northam Road, then head east to the intersection with Route 12, then take a left on Route 12 which will lead to the eastern portion Tyne Valley.
A pedestrian walkway will be available for residents to use over the course of the project.
The project is expected to be complete in late June and the bridge will remain closed to traffic for the duration of construction activities.
Route 2, Hunter River
No alternate routes will be posted as traffic will continue to flow through the project area during construction activities. Traffic may be reduced to one lane during certain phases of construction so some short delays may be expected.
This project is expected to be complete in mid to late August.