Get ready for some detours Fredericton, as construction season nears

Fredericton is ramping up for another construction season, and some residents in the Sunset Drive area of the north side will need to find a new way to get to work.

Later this month, work begins on extending a water main on the walking trail from Claremont Drive to Ruby Street to improve the water distribution system.

The trail will be closed until the end of June, said Coun. Dan Keenan.

"During that time, pedestrians will be able to use the sidewalk," he said.

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Keenan said the intention is to pave that section of trail and remove the sidewalk.

"We'll be able to get up and plow that [trail] during the winter," he said.

There will also be a marked area consisting of parkland near the walking trail that pedestrians can use during construction.  

"The impact on traffic would be minimal, if at all," Keenan said. 

The contractor will be on site next week and construction will likely start the weekend after that. 

Then comes phase 2

When the Claremont Drive project is finished, Sunset Drive will have a full street closure from Main Street to Bailey Avenue to upgrade water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer mains on Sunset. Curbing, sidewalks and asphalt surfacing will also be done.

The trench is so deep they need the full area across the street.-Coun. Dan Keenan

"That's the challenge we have every year — trying to get the renewal projects done,"Keenan said. "Our water system is extremely important … we're trying to get our infrastructure upgraded to avoid breaks."

Keenan said it's a major project that will close the street at the end of June until late September. Residents will need to detour around the Ring Road, and alternate bus stops will be required.

"The trench is so deep they need the full area across the street," he said.

Keenan said he realizes the work is a significant disruption to those living in the area, and anyone with questions is invited to a public meeting at the York Manor Friendship Centre today from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to speak with city staff. Representatives from the city's engineering and operations division will also be available.