Charlottetown plans closures on North River Road and Grafton Street next week
Motorists in Charlottetown will face several significant obstacles as they drive in the city starting early next week.
Officials say they'll be closing North River Road on Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as the city carries out maintenance on a storm and sewer line at the intersection of North River Road and Seaview Boulevard.
On North River Road, no through traffic will be allowed between Belvedere Avenue and Westview Drive for that work to proceed.
"Traffic will be detoured around the closure," the city said in a news release Friday, stating it expects the work to cause traffic congestion on Belvedere Avenue.
The city said it plans to adjust the avenue's traffic signals "to accommodate the increase in traffic as much as possible," and that work will only take place between morning and afternoon "to limit disruptions to the traveling public."
Eastern work underway too
On Tuesday, a longer-term disruption will begin on the eastern end of Charlottetown.
The city said Grafton Street will allow inbound traffic to pass one-way from the Hillsborough Bridge starting on Tuesday "until further notice to allow for ongoing work to the Eastern Gateway."
In its Eastern Gateway project, a displaced-left intersection will be created at the base of the Hillsborough Bridge, similar to what is now in place at the intersection of St. Peters Road and the bypass. (Wayne Thibodeau/CBC)
The Eastern Gateway project will redesign how traffic flows in and out of Charlottetown via the Hillsborough Bridge. The bridge end of Water Street is being cut off to create more waterfront green space, with the street poised to connect with Grafton Street at Weymouth Street instead.
The indefinite closure starting next week will affect Grafton Street between Weymouth and Water streets.
"Outbound traffic will be detoured by traffic personnel around the closure," the city statement said, adding it would install signage about the change.
"Personnel will ensure local access is maintained where necessary," the city said, "and traffic signal timings will be adjusted to minimize delays.
"Minimal impacts are expected for vehicular travel coming from Stratford, but motorists are encouraged to choose alternate routes for outbound travel."
