Gateway gamble

New turning lanes will be added to facilitate southbound turns to the County. Another new turning lane will be added northbound.

Belleville seeks to improve access and the appearance of its connection to the County

Belleville is investing approximately $21 million into a new bridge and improved access from Prince Edward County.

The bridge and Dundas Street project will facilitate greater commercial ties between the County and Belleville. However, the widening and reconfiguration of the intersection, facilitated by the bridge replacement, appears designed to tap into the County’s powerful and growing tourism economy.

Indeed, the city’s website describes the project as “a brand new gateway from Prince Edward County.”

It is a signal of the importance Belleville places in the project that Belleville Mayor Taso Christopher will join the delegation in presenting the plans to a council committee at Shire Hall on Thursday.

Christopher will brief the County on the project and timeline—which is likely to restrict traffic to and from Belleville through much of 2016. In addition to the bridge replacement, the plan calls for the widening of Dundas Street, from Coleman to Sidney Streets, to accommodate increased traffic flow.

The project aligns nicely with plans, confirmed this week, for a new 48,000 square foot casino to be constructed on Bell Boulevard in Belleville.

Northbound, the bridge will be widened to three lanes—two lanes turning left, the third turning right. Southbound, the bridge will remain two lanes. Meanwhile, Dundas Street eastbound toward the intersection will be widened to accommodate two turning lanes toward the County. Similarly, westbound Dundas Street traffic will have two lanes available to make the turn toward Prince Edward County, in addition to two lanes proceeding through the intersection toward Sidney Street.

Development work has been underway for months, with bridge foundation and supporting piles already installed. In March, work will begin to install the bridge abutments.

By summer, girders and the bridge deck will be constructed. The existing bridge is targeted for removal by late fall.

Beginning in April this year, Dundas Street will be restricted to two lanes—traffic delays are expected through much of the year.

Meanwhile, Belleville has confirmed a new casino to be built on Bell Boulevard in the city. They expect the 48,000-square-foot facility to break ground within 60 days.