Fredericton underpass construction project going over deadline

Fredericton drivers frustrated by the lengthy delays created by the construction of theunderpass crossing Route 8 on Regent Street will need to wait even longer before the crews finish their work.

The massive construction project, which started on June 1, is now expected to bedelayed as much as two weeks.

"We're looking at the week of Labour Day," said JoshFox, a resident engineer with the Departmentof Transportation and Infrastructure.

"Probablycloser to the end of that week as a target for our completion date."

• Fredericton drivers prepare for months of detours

The project was supposed to wrap up on Aug. 31.

Despite relatively goodweather during the construction project, Fox said it has caused problems.

High temperatures have slowed down the work crewsand recent rains have been a problem formixingconcrete.

"Schedule-wisewe'd like to befurtherahead," said Fox.

"But we don't want to have to come back again, so we want it done right the first time."

Just down the street, the City of Fredericton's project to rebuild theintersection at Regent and Prospect streetsmay also miss its Aug.31deadline, with much of the remaining workload dependenton the weather.

Officialsare stilloptimistic about progress at the city's busiest intersectionthoughandexpect to befinished before the start of the school year.

Traffic to get worse

JonLewis, a traffic engineer with the city, said drivers need to expect larger traffic problems as the project nears completion.

"We certainly continue to expect some pretty significant delays for the next couple of weeks," said Lewis.

"But the end is in sight."

Lewis saidtraffic traditionally increases asthe school year approaches.

"There's a couple more weeks where we know traffic volumes are starting to increase as we get later in Augustso that will create long waits," said Lewis.

Both city and provincial engineers say weather will play a large role as the projects come to aclose.

Asphaltpavementand concrete mixing are both process that requirerelativelydry and stable weather conditions.

"But we're getting to the end of the tunnel," said Lewis.