Franey shares concerns about traffic rerouting on Bay Roberts schools

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Roberts council meeting has decided to continue with Phase 1 of the Water Street upgrades project until the funds have been exhausted. 

Once the funds have run out, council will reconvene to discuss how to proceed. During construction, Water Street will be closed between the Royal Canadian Legion and Bishop’s Road, open only to local traffic. 

“The road closure will be on a trial basis and can be revised by council at any time,” said Mayor Geoffrey Seymour. 

He added that transport trucks needing to access Water Street should do so via Cross Road. 

“I’ll support the motion, but I just want to reiterate my concerns and make sure that we pay close attention to the rerouting because the rerouting is going to take place still during school hours,” said Councillor Dean Franey, “and I think we can expect to see more traffic using that road.” 

Franey noted that, in addition to people going to and from school, rush hour could also contribute to traffic. “I’d like to see some close attention paid, especially in the mornings to see how it works out because, like I said, we’re going to be sending more traffic possibly along the road where two of our schools are located,” he said.

Councillor Frank Deering suggested that council send a letter to one of the businesses in the area that has a lot of trucking to inform it of the project’s continuation and the road closure. “Yes, perhaps they can use CB Highway in the Shearstown area and come down to the crossroads that way,” Seymour remarked.

All voted in favour of the motion to continue the project, and the motion was carried.