LONG-AWAITED TRAFFIC PLANS FOR KELSEY DRIVE, GOLDSTONE AREA

(Aug 3rd)

Construction is set to begin this week on a project aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing vehicle and pedestrian safety in the busy Kelsey Drive and Thorburn Road/Goldstone commercial area.

The City of St. John’s says construction is tentatively scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 5th, at the intersection of Thorburn Road and Goldstone Street.

The project will include improvements at several locations, including Thorburn Road and Goldstone Street, Kelsey Drive at the Walmart/Home Depot access, Kelsey Drive at the Canadian Tire/Swiss Chalet access, and Kelsey Drive at the Boston Pizza/TD Bank access.

New traffic and pedestrian crossing signals will be installed at the Walmart/Home Depot and Canadian Tire/Swiss Chalet intersections. A new median will also be added at the Boston Pizza/TD Bank access to create a right-turn-only movement for vehicles.

At the Thorburn Road, Goldstone Street and Seaborn Street intersection, existing traffic signals and the intersection configuration will be upgraded. The City says the improvements stem from recommendations identified in collision reports from 2012–2019 and 2018–2022.

Work on the Kelsey Drive intersections will take place during a later stage of the project, with information about timing and traffic impacts to be provided as construction progresses.

Traffic will remain moving through the area while work is underway, but motorists should expect delays, lane reductions and slower travel times. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction.

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to follow posted signage, obey traffic control personnel and use extra caution while travelling through the construction zone.

The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2026, although timelines may change depending on weather and operational requirements.

The Kelsey Drive and Goldstone Street Improvement Project is being funded in part through a $2.43-million investment from the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund.

Meanwhile, design work is ongoing for potential future roundabouts at the Team Gushue Highway ramps at Goldstone Street. The work is subject to funding and operational capacity, with further details expected as that phase approaches.

The City of St. John’s says it will provide updates on traffic interruptions and project progress throughout construction.

Residents can report issues by calling 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489) or emailing the City of St. John’s.