There will be no roundabout at a reconstructed Polina Road-Kenmount Road intersection, according to a tender issued by St. John’s City Hall.
The tender was announced on Monday. Initial mock-ups of what the new intersection will look like — drawn by Pinnacle Engineering Ltd. — show a four-way intersection with traffic lights between Polina Road, Kenmount Road and an adjusted entrance to the Avalon Mall.
The aim is to start the construction in June, with completion expected by the fall, according to city council members, who spoke about the plans Monday night.
Coun. Sandy Hickman said he is glad to see the project finally moving ahead, and particularly in a way that could minimize disruption. Information issued to date suggests traffic will be affected, but city crews will try to limit holding up things in peak hours.
The work is part of a broader plan by Crombie REIT to revamp the Avalon Mall.
The $54.5-million first phase of the mall’s renovations internally and externally is underway and is expected to take the next three to four years to complete.
Council approved an expansion plan from Crombie REIT that included tentative plans for the intersection, as well as big changes to the mall, including an expansion to encompass a section of the parking lot near the former Sears.
The intersection has been the subject of calls for change for years.
In 2013, Nick Coates was killed at age 27 at the intersection, after he was hit by Ronald Thistle, who was later convicted of impaired driving.
While the intersection is being reimagined, the company that wins the tender will also upgrade storm sewers underneath Kenmount Road.
The full cost of the project will be determined once the tender is awarded, but the city has generally budgeted for the work.
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