Roundabouts put new spin on summer business
Brian Higgins | CBC News | Posted: August 11, 2016 11:00 AM | Last Updated: August 11, 2016
Mixed reaction to traffic circles being built for Cornwall bypass
Business owners along the TransCanada Highway in the west end of Charlottetown are wondering what the construction of traffic circles outside their front doors will do to their incomes.
Phase one of the Cornwall bypass project includes construction of traffic circles at Maypoint Road in Charlottetown and at Poplar Island, on the North River causeway.
The bartender at one local restaurant predicts she'll be serving fewer customers.
It's probably going to slow down business while they're building it because people will avoid going this way. - Tammy MacSweeb
"People are going to avoid it for sure because it's going to be chaos while they're building it," said Tammy MacSween at Yogi's Food and Bar in Maypoint plaza.
"It's probably going to slow down business while they're building it because people will avoid going this way. It's probably going to back up cars a lot. It's a busy intersection."
The owner of another store in Maypoint plaza, who asked not to be identified, said summer business is important to her income. Trade slows down in winter. Construction is slated to begin after Labour Day.
"If people can't get to my front door, I don't get the sale," said the store owner.
Bike and pedestrian lanes
The $5 million project includes widening of the four-lane highway and the creation of a shared lane along the shoulder pedestrians and cyclists.
The traffic circle on Poplar Island will be located in front of shops popular with tourists.
Some workers look forward to the traffic lights being replaced by a roundabout.
Public meeting
"When they're doing construction, I guess it might slow things down because people won't want to come into this plaza," said Ben Gayler, an employee of one store on Poplar Island.
"But I know the cars get pretty jammed up ... I find this has started to get congested lately. I like the roundabout. I find they make things a lot smoother, just if people know how to use them."
The provincial Department of Transportation says it will host a public meeting later this month to answer questions about the project.
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