Province awards $645,400 contract for Northeast Avalon traffic study

The provincial government has awarded a $645,400 contract to WSP Canada Inc. to study traffic conditions along major transportation routes on the Northeast Avalon.

The two-phase study will examine Pitts Memorial Drive (Route 2), portions of the Trans-Canada Highway and the existing Cloverleaf Overpass interchange.

The first phase will assess traffic conditions from Peacekeeper’s Way and Manuels Access Road through Conception Bay South, along Pitts Memorial Drive to the CNR Viaduct in downtown St. John’s.

It will also examine the Trans-Canada Highway between Paddy’s Pond at Exit 40 and Allandale Road at Exit 46, including connecting roads, ramps, intersections and nearby overpasses.

The study will identify areas experiencing congestion and delays and examine potential safety improvements.

Options being considered include adding a new lane to the Trans-Canada Highway and constructing new highway interchanges at key locations.

A draft report for the first phase is expected in spring 2027.

The second phase will focus specifically on the Cloverleaf Overpass interchange, where Route 2 meets the Trans-Canada Highway.

WSP will develop and assess several design concepts, including upgrades to the existing interchange and potential replacement configurations. A draft report is expected by late summer 2027.

The province says municipalities including St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise and Conception Bay South will provide input throughout the study because of the connections between municipal and provincial road networks.

The completed study is expected to identify preferred options for improving traffic flow and safety and addressing long-term transportation needs on the Northeast Avalon.