New Highway Opens on Monday

The Community of Clyde River is approaching another historic milestone on Monday when the new highway will open, diverting much of the traffic that previously travelled through the centre of the community. The Department of Transportation issued the following notice this week:

The new Trans-Canada Highway realignment through Cornwall and Clyde River will be fully open to traffic for Monday morning.

As contractors work to finish up the project, drivers may experience some delays on Sunday, October 20 at the North River roundabout due to required finishing work. Drivers are encouraged to take alternate routes on Sunday. If using the roundabout, slow down and follow the directions of signs and traffic control personnel.

When the new Trans-Canada Highway alignment opens Monday morning, drivers are encouraged to slow down, allow for extra time, and follow the new signs carefully.

The North River roundabout will operate differently once the alignment opens. Drivers should pay close attention to the new signage and markings.

Changes for navigating the North River roundabout when coming from Charlottetown:

• Drivers using the outer/right lane must exit onto the new highway alignment towards Borden-Carleton
• Drivers wishing to exit onto Main Street or York Point Road must use the inner/left lane of the roundabout
• Choose the proper lane before entering the roundabout

Changes for navigating the North River roundabout when coming from Warren Grove:

• Drivers using the outer/right lane must exit onto the new highway alignment towards Borden-Carleton
• Drivers wishing to exit onto Main Street, York Point Road or to Charlottetown must use the inner/left lane of the roundabout
• Choose the proper lane before entering the roundabout

As with all roundabouts:

• As you approach the roundabout, slow down and yield to pedestrians
• Yield to traffic already circulating
• When there is a gap on your left, enter the roundabout turning right
• Do not stop once you are inside the roundabout

All other legs of the roundabout operate the same as usual. Drivers should use extra caution when using the new alignment and the newly configured roundabout for the first time.

Some of the features of the new highway include three overpasses, two interchanges and a major bridge structure over the Clyde River. The new highway will also divert the majority of truck traffic away from Main Street in Cornwall, making Main Street safer.

Here is a video from last year featuring drone footage of construction:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CGTx6c5eXo]