The troubled intersection has suffered more than its fair share of accidents. A solution could be in place by the end of 2026.

Prince Edward OPP reported 25 collisions in the last five years, leading both the local constabulary and County Council to call on the province for a solution.

The County’s Planning and Development Committee heard from Project Manager Tim Belliveau and Sham Hunt, of the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) last week. Mr. Belliveau noted that the traffic circle edged out signalization.

“The roundabout is the preferred option and that’s the plan we are presenting to the public,” Mr. Belliveau said. “This option addresses safety concerns at the existing intersection, and has inherent safety benefits by reducing collision severity and frequency and it also improves the overall traffic operation.”

According to the study, the roundabout provides a better overall level of service, and leads to lower numbers and less severe collisions, while affecting slightly more hectares of residential property and wildlife habitat than signals would. Mr. Belliveau noted there would be some minor realignments to County Rd. 1 and Hwy 62 as well as some small changes to driveways at adjoining properties. The size of the roundabout will be similar to the one at Loyalist Parkway and Cty. Rd. 1.

Mr. Hunt added, “there is a history of commuters not adhering to the stop signs and a roundabout forces drivers to slow down. The collisions are less severe with a roundabout.”

Mayor Steve Ferguson inquired about construction timelines and Mr. Belliveau couldn’t provide a firm answer.

“The funding is place for detailed design, which is the next phase,” said Mr. Belliveau. “That will take place within the next year.”

Once completed, detailed designs will lead to financial planning and procurement. Given the timelines for the next two phases of the project, work on the intersection upgrade will not take place before 2026.