Courtesy Town of Riverview
The provincial government didn’t give much notice about an earlier date for the causeway closure but the Town of Riverview has been preparing for several years now.
Mayor Ann Seamans says a number of projects have been undertaken to help alleviate congestion including the new Bridgedale Boulevard from Gunningsville to Runneymeade which will help east-west traffic flow and the approach to the Gunningsville Bridge was widened.
The Town has also been engaging residents about the closure with public consultations, a survey and an awareness campaign.
To take advantage of lower traffic volumes during COVID, the province has moved up the causeway closure date by a month to April 5.
“Although it’s a provincial project, the town has been doing whatever it can to help the citizens make it as less painful as possible for them for sure.”
Seamans says the biggest concern about traffic congestion will be during the morning and afternoon commutes.
She urges residents who need to cross the river to make alternate arrangements now such as modifying their work hours, working remotely if possible and consider biking, walking, carpooling or using public transit.
The province says the new Petitcodiac River Bridge won’t be open to traffic until October which leaves the Gunningsville Bridge as the only crossing between Moncton and Riverview in the interim.
