A section of road in St. John’s known for frequent accidents is scheduled for renovation to enhance safety. Kelsey Drive, situated off the bustling Kenmount Road, has been a longstanding concern for both drivers and pedestrians. In late 2023, the city disclosed its annual collision report covering the period from 2018 to 2022. The report identified the intersection of Kelsey Drive and Kiwanis Street as having the seventh-highest collision rate. This same intersection topped the list for collision frequency at mid-block segments, which are specific crossing points between intersections.
Sheila Whalen, a resident from the Conception Bay North area who was shopping at the Walmart on Kelsey Drive, expressed her discomfort with driving in that area. “I avoid it if I can. It’s very, extremely overwhelming,” she shared with CBC News. Highlighting the congestion, she mentioned the challenges that the older generation might face while navigating the area.
Recently, the city announced plans to start construction at the Kelsey Drive intersection, along with nearby Thorburn Road and Goldstone Street. Currently, there are limited pedestrian crossings in the Kelsey Drive vicinity, leading individuals to attempt crossing five lanes of traffic instead of taking a longer detour to the crosswalk at Kiwanis Street.
To address these concerns, the city will be implementing new traffic and pedestrian crossing signals at strategic points within the area. Additionally, a new median will be constructed to facilitate right-turn-only movements for vehicles at specific access points. Councilor Kate Cadigan emphasized the significance of these upgrades in enhancing safety and curbing unsafe driving habits in the busy commercial area.
The renovation project is estimated to cost $2.43 million, with funding provided by the federal government. Scheduled for completion by December, motorists should anticipate traffic delays during the construction phase. The initiative aims to improve overall safety and traffic flow in the Kelsey Drive area, benefitting both drivers and pedestrians alike.