Breaking ground for Long Sault roundabouts
Long-awaited roundabouts for Long Sault roadways were officially started last Thurs., Aug. 10, with a ground-breaking ceremony. At the event were, from left, Jason Grant (Project Manager for Cornwall Gravel), Fraser Ouderkirk (General Manager for Cornwall Gravel), SDG Warden Jim Bancroft, MPP Jim McDonell, Ross Gellately (Director of Public Works for South Stormont) and Ben de Haan (Director of Transportation and Planning Services for the United Counties of SDG). Courtesy photo
THE COUNTIES – Work is now underway in Long Sault on a revitalization project on SDG 2, that will see two roundabouts and pedestrian walkways constructed. The existing roadway infrastructure on SDG 2 is in need of renewal as it is reaching the end of its service life and the Counties have been preparing for the rehabilitation and construction of the two roundabouts for several years, according to a news release last week.
The advantages of installing roundabouts at the two intersection sites include: increased safety with reduced collision severity, calming features that will slow down traffic travelling through Long Sault, and improved accommodations for pedestrian movements to/from the recreational lands along the St. Lawrence River.
SDG Warden Jim Bancroft also commented in the release: “The Counties continues to improve road conditions in the region. Not only does this project satisfy the necessary road upgrade, but does so in an esthetically pleasing manner. The end result will provide a forward-looking streetscape for both residents and visitors alike.”
The $2.2-million tender was awarded to Cornwall Gravel and the project is being partially funded through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) ($980,000). The tender includes all the road work and landscaping, and will result in a two-lane median separated road with roundabouts at the intersections of SDG 2 and SDG 35 (Moulinette Road) and SDG 2 and SDG 36 (Milles Roches Road).
“I am pleased to see investment through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund reach South Stormont and SDG. Roundabouts are an efficient alternative available to municipalities that wish to direct and calm traffic better. By being placed on a busy thoroughfare such as County Road 2, this project will give municipalities across the area a greater understanding of how their traffic and roadbuilding plans may develop in the future.” said MPP Jim McDonell.
The OCIF provides steady, long-term funding for small, rural and northern communities to develop and renew their infrastructure. The roundabouts will be complete by the end of 2017, with some final landscaping happening in the spring of 2018.
The ultimate configuration of SDG 2 was established through a detailed Class C Environmental Study (finished in late 2015).
“The Counties greatly appreciates the public’s patience during the construction work. Once the construction is completed; pedestrians, cyclists and commuters will all benefit from a much safer and more efficient way to move through Long Sault,” added Benjamin deHaan, Director of Transportation and Planning, SDG Counties.
