Traffic changed since Morrissy bridge closure

Jan. 16, 2009

The Morrissy Bridge closure caused big changes to traffic patterns around Miramichi, says a spokesperson for the city.

City engineering director Csaba Kazamer said he didn't have the exact numbers for traffic in Newcastle and Douglastown, but there has been an increase around the Centennial Bridge end of King George Highway.

"We have had significant changes in traffic patterns throughout the Douglastown area."

When the bridge closed in September, it left the city with only two crossings. Drivers who normally would have travelled along Jane Street have to go a little further to get across the river.

The city initiated a study in October to look at the effects of traffic changes in the areas most affected by the bridge closure, Kazamer said.

"There's an evaluation taking place as we speak."

He said he expects to get a draft copy of the report by around the end of January or early February and the next step would be to look at recommendations in the report.

"They could be fairly broad."

Once the city receives the report, they could update or review traffic bylaws and may work on infrastructure, he said.

"We're anxiously awaiting their input."

Kazamer said the report comes on the heels of a study done before the bridge closed and they are lucky to be able to compare.

"It first gives a snapshot before the closure and immediately after the closure."

The changes mean the city may have to look at traffic flow in all areas of the city in response to the change, he said.

"We're getting hit all over."

Kazamer said he expects to see involvement from the community and will look for input from businesses.

"Part of the consultation of course is getting feedback from that community."

In order to bring levels of service around the city up to acceptable levels, they may need to add infrastructure, he said.

"They are widely accepted guidelines."

Kazamer said data collection takes time and although the numbers are in, they are just waiting to get the report, he said.

"It's all relative to the receipt, to the collection of data."

Although he didn't have the traffic numbers around the Miramichi Mall, Kazamer said a plan for changes to the mall entrance would depend on the study results.

"We're awaiting the recommendations of the experts."

Miramichi Police Supt. Randy Hansen said there seems to have been an increase in accidents where there has been an increase in traffic on the north side of the King George Highway. He added when that part of the intersection was designed, it was for the old traffic pattern.

"Possibly the layout of the intersection or the traffic pattern may not be able to handle the increase in traffic."

Despite the changes in traffic patterns, Hansen said the bridge closure hasn't affected police response times because they have it divided into zones based on the being divided by the river.

"There's always a police vehicle within the area of the call."