Fredericton roundabout set to open in 2 weeks

Fredericton's newlyconstructed roundabout is scheduled to be paved this week, bringing the opening of the much-talked-about piece of highway infrastructure one step closer.

Once the asphalt has been put down, crews will still need mark the pavementand install overhead signage.

Jon Lewis, a traffic engineer in Fredericton, said the roundabout should be open in about two weeks if the weather co-operates.

The roundabout is located on Route 8 and also draws in traffic from Smythe Street and Bishop Drive.

Vehicles traveling on Route 8 are now driving through the roundabout, but are not able to access either SmytheStreet or Bishop Drive.

"One of the things I have heard is that people seem to be wondering is it really two lanes because it appears to be quite small," said Lewis.

"But I think that's just a function of once the pavement markings are installed probably later this week then it will become more clear to drivers that it is two lanes."

To educatepeople about using the roundabout, the city has put tips on its use, a video simulationand an interactive animation on its website.

On the weekends before and after the roundabout opens, the city will have information available at the Regent Mall.

Lewis said one of the key features of the roundabout is large trucks will use both lanes to navigate through it.

"This is now common practice across the country for multi-lane roundabouts," said Lewis.

"It helps minimize the overall size of the roundabout.By minimizing the size, we are able to minimize vehicle speed. So the slower the speed, the higher overalllevel of safety."

The speed limit approaching the roundabout is 50 km/h with an advisory speed in the roundabout of 30 km/h.

Lewis said drivers must remember to give trucks plenty of room.

"Basically a truck will go in, straddle both lanes on entry, use both lanes within the roundabout, then exit.

"It's been designed such that as trucks take both lanes on entry, there won't be room for a car to get in there beside them."