Washmill Lake Drive underpass officially opened to traffic just in time for the Christmas shopping rush.
The new entrance/exit point for Bayers Lake Park provides a third roadway to and from the park and is expected to be the main access point for the new Banc development taking place in behind the current development along Chain Lake Drive. It's also expected to reduce traffic backlogs and congestion.
"This is great news that we now have a new access and exit route from the Bayers Lake Park," says Andrew Lloy, chair of the Bayers Lake Business Association (BLBA). "This project was a large undertaking from HRM and the other parties involved. It will surly help the flow of traffic in and out of the park. It's also very important that each merchant tell our customers they now have a new way in and out of the park and this should make their shopping more stress free."
The roadway crosses underneath Highway 102, connecting Chain Lake Drive to Northwest Arm Drive via Washmill Lake Drive and Regency Park Drive. It includes upgrades such as bike lanes, sidewalks and storm water services.
The extension of Washmill and its connection across to Main Avenue in Fairview is expected to compete with Lacewood for handling the bulk of park visitors. In fact, HRM estimates the Washmill - and its connection to Susies Lake Drive - is expected to handle 35 per cent of Bayers Lake's traffic flow. There will be a secondary access point to the new Banc development via the roadway next to Burger King.
The total cost of the project was approximately $16 million. The project began in spring 2010 with funding from the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF). A total of $6.7 million is supported through the ISF program.
