The much anticipated roundabout at Queens Line and Merlin Road will be fully open to traffic next Friday.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said the work is wrapping up and the roundabout will open on September 26, 2025.
The $6 million project took a year to finish and includes a single-lane roundabout at Queens Line and Merlin Road, road safety improvements, and rehabilitation of the Queens Line Bridge, just west of the intersection over Government Drain No. 1.
The municipality said the work was completed within budget.
The new roundabout was recommended to make the intersection safer. It can accommodate larger vehicles, including transport trucks and farm equipment, according to the municipality.
The roundabout has a mountable curb and concrete apron in the middle, and a mountable curb and paved shoulder at the entries and exits to provide additional width for oversized vehicles. It also has more lighting and other measures to improve road safety at the intersection.
Officials noted roundabouts have been proven to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes because of lower speeds.
“The municipality thanks motorists and residents for their patience during this critical work,” said Chatham-Kent Director of Engineering Services Marissa Mascaro Amyotte. “The contractor, Huron Construction, did an excellent job staging the construction. While the contract allowed for a full closure of the intersection during construction, they successfully staged the work to maintain traffic flow along Queens Line throughout the duration of the project to keep traffic moving. We’re pleased with how smoothly the work progressed and appreciate the contractor’s efforts in delivering a successful outcome.”
The roundabout will have landscaping and art installed in the centre island next Spring.
