‘We’re very excited,’ says business association as Burnside Connector construction expected to start next year
Posted Dec 21, 2018 04:18:27 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A group that has spent years advocating for a new route in and out of Burnside is happy to hear that it will finally receive funding from the province.
The McNeil Liberals committed to building the Burnside Connector and earlier this week the province said it would be part of the road infrastructure plan for 2019-20.
The stretch from Burnside Drive to Highway 102 has been on the drawing board for many years and chair of the Greater Burnside Business Association, Dee Deuville, tells NEWS 95.7's The Rick Howe Show she's excited it's finally moving forward.
“It will certainly ease a lot of traffic,” she says. “That's one of the large concerns from our members is the congestion that happens in Burnside, as you know if you've ever been there at 3:30 or 4 o'clock.”
“When the businesses close at their time of closure and everyone tries to get out, it's very difficult.”
Deuville says the connector would be essential if there's ever an emergency.
“Not too long ago there was an explosion in Burnside at the cement plant. Thank goodness is wasn't crucial and we didn't have to evacuate,” she says. “But should we have to evacuate in Burnside we really do need this exit. We need to create an evacuation plan that will be easy to get people to where they need to be.”
Deuville says the Greater Burnside Business Association has been pushing for Burnside Connector since the organization launched in 2002.
