ANTIGONISH, N.S. — ANTIGONISH - Officials with the Municipality of the County of Antigonish are welcoming temporary changes made to the Beech Hill Road Highway 4 intersection.
On Friday (Jan. 3), the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) closed the eastbound section of Trunk 4, from the Beech Hill intersection to Exit 34 of the Trans-Canada Highway.
“Given the nature and number of accidents, we don’t think there was any other option,” County Warden Owen McCarron said.
He added municipal officials were “pleased” with the move.
McCarron also stressed that the changes, which include the creation of a three-way stop at the intersection, are “temporary.”
He noted TIR officials, including provincial minister Lloyd Hines, have indicated they are considering “very strongly” construction of a roundabout as the permanent solution.
The estimated start time for beginning that work is late summer or early fall.
“We will continue to keep an eye on the situation,” McCarron said.
He added county officials are also aware of concerns from business owners along “old Highway 4,” now that access will be reduced – once again – due to the closure.
“We are going to continue to monitor that situation,” he added.
During construction of the four-lane Trans-Canada Highway through the area, that same section of roadway was closed.
The call for change at the intersection heightened in early December after two collisions, including one that claimed the life of a 41-year-old Toronto man, took place in less than one week.
On the heels of those accidents, county council renewed its push for something to happen; an effort that they launched more than two years ago.
“We are pleased that transportation has listened [to us],” McCarron said of the “quick remedy” that has been instituted.
He added “albeit a temporary one, we hope.”
McCarron expects the move “to reduce speed and confusion” at the intersection.
“We think it will help create a more consistent and orderly flow of traffic,” he said.
