The City of Duncan says it will need to secure funds to move ahead with the Carinsmore Roundabout project.
City staff have been by council to submit an application to seek $106,000 for utilities upgrades and an additional $441,000 for roadwork via the Canada Community Building Fund to help build the proposed five-leg roundabout.
A staff report says the current design of the intersection, at Government Street, Cairnsmore Street, and College Street is a high-volume area and installing a new roundabout could reduce traffic flow and accommodate the city’s needs going into the future.
“The current intersection is complex and a less-than-ideal configuration,” the report says. “The roundabout will be the replacement of the current signalized four-leg intersection, with a five-leg roundabout that will accommodate and convey all required traffic and pedestrians in a safe, controlled manner.”
The report also notes the proximity of the intersection to a school, gas station and a grocery store, and that completing the new structure would be safer for traffic by will and pedestrians.
“Crosswalks will be added to all legs with centre refuge in splitter islands to minimize crossing distances,” the report says. “It will also increase traffic flow capacity, lower traffic speeds, reduce conflict angles and improve lighting, reducing the risk for serious collisions and injuries.”
The city originally budgeted over $2 million in 2022, but costs have climbed to $2.32 million for construction and an additional 14 per cent for engineering and construction management fees, bringing the price tag to an estimated $2.653 million.
The city will submit a grant application for $2.1 million, the project will not move forward if their funding request is not approved.
Some funds for the roundabout will draw from the Strategic Priorities Fund 2025 if the project gets a green light.
