The Town of Riverview has released a results from a recent public consultation about upcoming closures to the Causeway.
Construction is currently underway to replace the causeway with a bridge.
A closure is planned from May to December this year, that is expected to impact residents on both sides of the Petitcodiac River.
“We heard a range of concerns and ideas from residents, commuters, businesses and major employers,” says Colin Smith, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer. “The public consultations helped to increase awareness about the project, gave an opportunity for people to voice their concerns and got them thinking about how to manage potential challenges.”
Highlights of the public consultation report included:
- The consensus among commuters and employers was that the Causeway closing will cause longer traffic lines, which could result in commuters being late for work unless they opt to work from home.
- Residents agreed that a robust public engagement and communications strategy should begin immediately and include a regional approach to signage. The communications should also increase awareness among employers of the closure so they can manage its potential impact.
- A similar awareness message should be communicated to schools, daycares and afterschool programs. Drop-off and pick-up times at such facilities should be extended to relieve parental stress. Financial penalties should be waived for parents who are late picking up children from childcare facilities during the construction period.
