Chase the Ace drive-thru gets new entrance Saturday

The North River Fire Department is changing access to its popular Chase the Ace drive-thru due to growing traffic concerns.

Lt. Dean Smith said the increasing popularity of the draw is causing traffic congestion on Route 1 of the Trans-Canada Highway in Cornwall, P.E.I.

• Cornwall selling Chase the Ace tickets in advance, at drive-thru

"It has been very controllable but as we grow every week, we have to change things every week. This week we are limiting the access off the Trans-Canada," said Smith.

"You will not be able to come into the fire department from the Trans-Canada. All the traffic coming will go to the set of lights at the York Point [Road] and Trans-Canada Highway intersection. And they will come into the backside of the fire department where they were originally exiting the drive-thru."

The changes come into effect this Saturday.

Drive-thrugrowing

People have been purchasing tickets at the fire department in advance of the Saturday night draw, accessing the entrance from Route 1.

Smith said the drive-thru has grown from one lane to seven, with long lines-ups of vehicles on the Trans-Canada Highway waiting their turn to get into a lane.

The fire department puts up an electronic traffic sign each Saturday to warn motorists of turning vehicles.

But Smith said they need to make a change to prevent any potential traffic issues.

The May 14 Chase the Ace draw for the North River Fire Department and Kingston Legion Branch 30is expected to have a jackpot of more than $345,000 with 18 cards left in the deck.

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