Fredericton's busiest intersection safer after overhaul, engineer says

Design changes to Fredericton'sRegent and Prospect street intersection will help make it safer andreduce the number of vehicleaccidents, according to the city's traffic engineer.

Among the upgrades is a double left turn lane from Regent Street when coming from the Regent Mall to Prospect Street. Drivers also won't be able to turn there on a solid green light only when the arrow flashes.

"With the upgrades we're anticipating possibly a reduction of nine to 11 collisions per year, or three to four injuries per year, just from the changes to the protected only left turn phasing," said Jon Lewis.

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The city will be putting up signs to let drivers know they can't turn left on a solid green, he said.

Drivers will also find right turns in the intersection are different;a raised section forces them to slow down.

"This new right turn island design is much safer for drivers and pedestrians," Lewis said.

The intersection just needs some turning signals and signs in place for the work to be completed, he said.

But the city iswaiting for the provincial government to finish its work on the Regent Street overpass first.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure declined an interview with CBC, but in an email, spokeswoman SarahBustard said the work will take at least 12 more days and is weather dependent.

"When the department has a specific date for the bridge opening we will communicate that with the public," the emailstated.