The seasons are changing, but road construction season continues across the region. The work zone on Highway 34 keeps causing delays for drivers while other projects around the area have already been started and completed.
Within the past two weeks, the Town of Hawkesbury completed the entire removal of old asphalt and the installation of all new asphalt on John Street between Le Chenail Boulevard and Main Street, on the entire length of William Street, and on Main Street between John and William streets.
In Grenville, the Ministère des transports du Québec removed a layer of asphalt on Route 344 from the Long Sault Bridge to near the Shell station at the north end of the village and replaced the entire section with new asphalt during a seven-day period. Construction crews worked at night when traffic volumes are lower.
However, the Highway 34 paving and shoulder project began in July and is still ongoing. Recycled asphalt remains in place on some sections while a layer of new asphalt has been added in others. Due to alternating one-lane traffic during daytime work hours, delays have been lengthy for some drivers. On Tuesday, October 6, the wait for southbound traffic on Highway 34 between Green Lane Road and Pleasant Corners Road reached 30 minutes. Many drivers have just been avoiding Highway 34 entirely and using other roads to get between Vankleek Hill and Hawkesbury.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, all efforts are being made to expedite work and reduce delays on Highway 34 during this time. Construction is expected to continue through to late fall, at which time the project will shut down for the winter season.
Motorists can find traffic updates at 511on.ca and @511Ontario for road construction and winter conditions on provincial highways.
