Construction headaches inbound: Project near major bridge kicks off

First phase will close St. Anne's Point exit and Westmorland Street between King and Queen

Article content Get ready for some more construction-induced headaches, Fredericton. Starting Monday at noon, the first phase of a project focused on the south side of the Westmorland Street Bridge will begin, closing Westmorland Street between King Street and Queen Street until “mid to late August.” “Westmorland Street will be closed to through traffic at King Street and the St. Anne’s Point exit.

During certain periods during construction, southbound traffic will be able to turn right on Queen Street,” reads a note on the city’s construction webpage. “Northbound access to the Westmorland Street Bridge from Queen Street will also be maintained for periods of construction. Public transit services will detour onto St. Anne’s Point during this project, which may cause minor delays in service.

“This work will move street parking to the west side of Westmorland Street, and a multi-use trail will be created from the Queen/Westmorland intersection to the bridge tunnel.” Pedestrians will also feel the effects of the work, with “a portion of the sidewalk” closed on the east side of Westmorland between King and Queen. But when it’s all over, the city is promising, residents will find “new decorative streetlights, benches, bike racks, and trees, as well as a freshly paved street and new paved sidewalks.”

The city says the project will focus on “underground infrastructure renewal and public realm upgrades,” including “replacing aging storm and sanitary sewer mains.” In an email, city spokesperson Marley McLellan said no businesses will be forced to close during the construction, and that staff will be on site by about 10 a.m. Monday, but that traffic won’t be affected until noon. “Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the City of Fredericton weekly construction newsletter via email or follow along on social media to stay up to date with construction updates,” McLellan said.

More to come ...