The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has announced the road improvements to Keil Drive South in south Chatham are set to start next week.
Chatham-Kent's Manager of Corporate Communications Eric Labadie said the project is aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians along Keil Drive South and Tweedsmuir Avenue West. Municipal officials noted the enhancements will go from Bristol Drive to Tweedsmuir Avenue West, including the roundabout at Keil Drive South and Tweedsmuir Avenue West.
They anticipate the project will be complete in late August 2024, ahead of the upcoming school year. St. Teresa of Calcutta elementary school will be open on Tweedsmuir Avenue West in south Chatham this fall.
The work includes replacing pavement from Keil Drive South to Tweedsmuir Avenue West; improvements to islands, crossing locations, and sidewalks at the roundabout to bolster pedestrian safety; introducing controlled pedestrian crossings at the roundabout; and resurfacing of pavement within the roundabout.
Chatham-Kent's Director of Engineering Marissa Mascaro said work at the roundabout includes the construction of new pedestrian crossovers (PXOs) where drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
“The work we are implementing on Keil Drive is one of many steps we’re taking to implement our Road Safety Action Plan,” said Mascaro. “It is our goal to reduce risk and ultimately make the streets of Chatham-Kent safer for everyone.”
Detour signage will be posted and access to all properties along the affected streets will be maintained at all times, said the municipality.
Entry to Chatham Christian School will also be accessible throughout the project, according to municipal officials. However, Four Ride CK bus stops on Route 4 will be out of service during the project. They said one temporary bus stop will be installed on Bristol Drive adjacent to the walk path from Sherwood Court.
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For more information on Chatham-Kent’s Road Safety Action Plan click here.