By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Work on the new roundabout at the Queen’s Line and Merlin Road intersection is set to begin this fall, despite a spike in costs.
At a recent meeting, council approved spending a total of $6.5 million for the construction of the roundabout in West Kent, including the revamp of the adjacent bridge over Government Drain No. 1.
Chatham-based Huron Construction has been awarded the contract.
The first phase of the project will see the realignment of Merlin Road and Queen’s Line. The second phase, slated for February 2025, will see the rehabilitation of the bridge, with the final phase of the roundabout construction to follow.
Cost of the work has increased substantially since the original estimate from 2021 of $2.1 million. Staff say rising inflation and the added rehabilitation of the bridge contributed to the increase, with the bridge work coming in at around the $2-million mark.
According to an administrative report, the work will require the closure of Merlin Road in both directions for extended periods, while maintaining traffic flow along Queen’s Line. According to Brendan Falkner, manager of engineering, roads and bridges for the municipality, the project is “complex,” as the roadway must be maintained as an emergency detour route for Highway 401 traffic if needed.
Roundabouts, which are used extensively in other parts of Canada, change the way vehicles interact by eliminating conflict points, which in turn reduces the severity of collisions.
“It’s not just building a roundabout, it’s co-ordinating it with the ministry,” Falkner said. “There are complex staging and traffic control requirements.”
Falkner said administration decided to go ahead with the bridge work, incorporating it in the project, rather than putting it off.
“It’s sort of like putting two projects in one,” he added, noting any road closures will be communicated to the public in advance.
Members of council expressed support for the project.
“I’m happy to see this moving forward,” said Chatham Coun. Alysson Storey in speaking to the matter, noting the section of road is “deadly” with 23 collisions occurring there over a 10-year period.
West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said that after speaking with farmers near the route, she’s satisfied the municipality will work with local producers to ensure crops are harvested and planted during the interruption.
