Preston, region juggling roadwork
CAMBRIDGE — Traffic will get a bit better in Preston as the city anticipates Speedsville Road will reopen sooner than expected.
The recent road closure angered residents and drivers in the area who were already saddled with regional construction on main roads in and out of Preston.
The Region of Waterloo is halfway through its twoyear reconstruction project at Fountain Street, Shantz Hill Road and King Street.
It had plans to close the intersection at King Street and Eagle Street, but the city asked region officials to hold off on that work until Speedsville Road reopened.
After recent discussions, the region decided to close the intersection of Eagle and King after the city reopens Speedsville.
“I think we’ve worked very closely together to deal with a difficult situation,” Coun. Mike Mann said.
King and Eagle streets are expected to close on Friday, June 16, and reopen on Monday. Speedsville Road is expected to reopen before that — either late this week or early next week. “Work on Speedsville Road is ahead of schedule,” Mann said.
The small section of road was expected to reopen on June 19.
It was closed by the city between Royal Oak Road and Highway 401 to install a pumping station and sewer for a new subdivision.
The city road closure could not be delayed because the subdivision needs infrastructure in place before developers begin construction this fall, city staff said.
It was an unfortunate situation where two simultaneous construction projects left few options for drivers to get in and out of Preston. City councillors, including Mann, were frustrated by the lack of co-ordination between the city and region.
Mann said communication and getting information out to the public is important in these kinds of situations so drivers can plan their trips accordingly.
Mann also said Chopin Drive is expected to reopen as well. This will allow drivers to get around the King and Eagle closure, he added.
The region’s two-year infrastructure project is going to widen roads, add bike lanes and new sidewalks along Fountain Street and surrounding regional roads.
Currently, the region has reduced lanes on Shantz Hill Road and King Street. It plans to close the north part of Fountain Street in late July or August.
When the city reopens Speedsville Road it will close Royal Oak Road to continue water and sewer installation needed for the Hunt Valley Club subdivision.