Displaced left intersection, roundabout may be coming to Malpeque Road

Big changes are coming to one of the main arteries into Charlottetown along Route 2, the Malpeque Road. 

The province is planning to construct a second displaced left intersection at the bypass and Malpeque Road, near Leon's. That would be similar to the displaced left now in place at St. Peters Road and the bypass, heading east. 

There are also plans for a roundabout at the intersection of Malpeque and Sherwood roads. 

But those won't happen for a couple of years.

Kyle Thistle, who lives near the Sherwood Road intersection, says he wants to see the plans moved up, so residents don't have to wait two to three years for changes he says are badly needed now. 

"It takes three, four, five times longer to get through that set of lights," Thistle said. 

"I know they are talking about a roundabout but in the long term, roundabouts are great, but when is that being built?" 

The province is planning to construct left turning lanes next spring along Malpeque Road at the intersections of Penny Lane and Countryview Drive.

Provincial officials say as the city grows, the province may look at lights or another roundabout at those intersections down the road.

In a statement, the province said it "has been working with traffic design consultants and will continue to have discussions with the City of Charlottetown as further development takes place in this area." 

Barbara Prowse has watched her neighbourhood grow quickly, very quickly. 

She's not only worried about increased traffic but also the lack of options for people who want to walk or bike.

"It's safe as long as you have a vehicle, cause you really can't walk anywhere," said Prowse.

"There's no streets you can cross. You can't access the main part of the city without a vehicle."