A challenging section of road in St. John’s notorious for accidents is slated for improvements to enhance safety. Kelsey Drive, situated near the bustling Kenmount Road, has long been a headache for both motorists and pedestrians. According to the city’s recent collision report spanning 2018-2022, the intersection of Kelsey Drive and Kiwanis Street ranks seventh for collision rates and first for mid-block segment collisions.

Sheila Whalen, a resident of Conception Bay North, expressed her discomfort navigating the area while shopping at Walmart on Kelsey Drive. She described the situation as overwhelming and congested, especially for older individuals.

The city has announced upcoming construction at the Kelsey Drive intersection, along with Thorburn Road and Goldstone Street. Currently lacking sufficient pedestrian crossings, individuals often risk crossing five traffic lanes instead of taking a longer detour to the designated crosswalk at Kiwanis Street.

To address safety concerns, the city will install new traffic and pedestrian signals at key intersections and add a median at specific access points to facilitate smoother vehicle movements. The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.43 million, funded by the federal government, with completion expected by December, causing temporary traffic disruptions during the construction period.

Coun. Kate Cadigan emphasized the importance of enhancing safety measures in the bustling commercial area, citing the need for additional pedestrian crossings. The planned upgrades aim to promote safer driving practices and improve overall traffic flow in the area.