ROUNDABOUT NOT READY
Completion date delayed until end of month
A heavily travelled route for those on the city’s west end or commuters from LaSalle or Amherstburg will remain closed longer than originally projected.
Construction began in June on a new traffic roundabout designed to eliminate a dangerous intersection where both University Avenue West and Riverside Drive West merge to become Sandwich Street.
The project was originally scheduled to be completed this Labour Day weekend, but workers then discovered some historical artifacts on the site.
That required the project to be slowed so archeologists could further study the area.
The new completion date has now been set for Sept. 29 for the traffic artery to be opened back to drivers, said Wes Hicks, deputy engineer for the city.
“It might depend of what else they find, but if they do not find anything else (artifacts), then that is the date,” he said.
Aside from the new traffic circle, the $850,000 project also includes a new water main, multi-use paths and placement of a historic statue within the roundabout.
The majority of work has been completed on the project, but final touches are being done on completion of a platform for the historical statue and then final paving, curbs and the multi-use paths will be finished, Hicks said.
Drivers who frequently use either Riverside or University in the area over the last couple months have been asked to detour using Huron Church Road, Wyandotte Street and Mill Street.
There were initial concerns about completing the project prior to classes at nearby University of Windsor getting under way next week, but that will not happen.
It is anticipated there will be greater traffic congestion in the area starting next week until completion of the project.
Other alternatives entering the city for those commuters impacted by the traffic circle project include E.C. Row Expressway, Matchette Road or Malden Road, city officials previously indicated.