By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Construction is set to resume on the Queens Line and Merlin Road intersection improvements in Chatham-Kent, including the installation of a single-lane roundabout and the rehabilitation of the Queens Line Bridge over Government Drain No. 1. Huron Construction has been contracted to complete both projects under one contract.
Work is scheduled to begin the week of March 17, 2025, with equipment mobilization, traffic control signage, and detour route information being set up. The work will be completed in three phases over the spring.
Phase 1 will focus on the westbound traffic lane of Queens Line. During this phase, the road will remain open, though lanes will be shifted south, potentially causing delays and temporary lane reductions down to one lane, with flagging at times. A full closure of Merlin Road between Queens Line and McDougall Line will start on March 24, 2025. Merlin Road south of Queens Line will remain open. This phase is expected to take about six weeks to complete.
Phase 2, set for later this spring, will involve work on the eastbound lane of Queens Line, with traffic shifted to the north. Queens Line will be reduced to a single lane, with temporary portable traffic signals in place to manage traffic flow. Merlin Road will be fully closed between Gleeson Line and McDougall Line during this phase. It is anticipated to take about five weeks.
Phase 3 will focus on the construction of the middle section of the roundabout at the realigned intersection of Queens Line and Merlin Road. This phase will require lane shifts, and a short full closure of Queens Line will be necessary to complete the roundabout. The exact timing of this closure will be announced later in the spring.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent will provide updates as each phase of work approaches. Motorists are reminded that reduced speed limits are in place along Queens Line during construction and will remain after the roundabout is completed. Drivers are advised to follow posted speed and detour signs.
Access to all properties will be maintained throughout the project. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent thanks the public for their patience during this important infrastructure work.
For further updates and information, visit the Chatham-Kent Construction Projects website at www.chatham-kent.ca/constructionprojects.
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