Work at the intersection of Queen’s Line and Merlin Road is wrapping up. The intersection will be fully reopened to traffic next Friday, September 26, 2025.
This comprehensive infrastructure upgrade included three key projects:
- Construction of a single-lane roundabout at the Queen’s Line and Merlin Road intersection
- Road safety improvements along the approaches
- Rehabilitation of the Queen’s Line Bridge just west of the intersection over Government Drain No. 1
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent retained Huron Construction to complete the work under a single contract awarded last fall. The work was completed within budget, with a total contract value of approximately $6 million, funded through a combination of reserves: approximately $4 million from the Capital and Right-Of-Way reserves for the intersection and road work, and approximately $2 million from the bridge lifecycle reserve for work on the adjacent bridge structure.
The new roundabout was recommended following safety studies and has been built to accommodate larger vehicles, including transport trucks and farm equipment, consistent with other rural single-lane roundabouts in Ontario. It features a mountable curb and concrete apron on the inside, as well as a mountable curb and paved shoulder at the entries and exits, providing additional driveable width for oversized vehicles.
From a traffic safety perspective, roundabouts are proven to reduce both the frequency and severity of collisions. Unlike conventional intersections, roundabouts have fewer conflict points and promote lower-speed, angled movements, significantly reducing the risk of right-angle and high-speed collisions.
This project included road improvements along the approaches to the new intersection, replacement of guiderail, realignment of underground services, and grading improvements. This project also included road works to realign the intersection, constructing the new roundabout, adding streetlighting, and other measures to improve road safety at the intersection. Rehabilitation of the bridge adjacent to the intersection was advanced at the same time to ensure efficiencies in cost and coordination between the two projects.
“The Municipality thanks motorists and residents for their patience during this critical work,” said Marissa Mascaro Amyotte, Director of Engineering Services. “The Contractor, Huron Construction, did an excellent job staging the construction. While the contract allowed for a full closure of the intersection during construction, they successfully staged the work to maintain traffic flow along Queen’s Line throughout the duration of the project to keep traffic moving. We’re pleased with how smoothly the work progressed and appreciate the Contractor’s efforts in delivering a successful outcome.”
The Municipality is currently undertaking design work for landscaping and art installation in the centre island of the roundabout. This work is expected to be completed next spring.
For regular construction updates and further information, please visit the Chatham-Kent Construction Projects website at www.chatham-kent.ca/constructionprojects.
For information on Chatham-Kent’s Road Safety Action Plan, including key safety initiatives and information on Roundabouts, please visit the Chatham-Kent Road Safety Action Plan website at www.chatham-kent.ca/services/roads/Pages/Road-Safety-Action-Plan.aspx.
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Media Contact:
Eric Labadie
Manager, Corporate Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 x 2039
ericl@chatham-kent.ca
