An accident waiting to happen? Pierrefonds-Roxboro residents worry about Gouin Boulevard construction site

Drivers say construction on Gouin Boulevard West in Pierrefonds-Roxboro has gotten so bad, there’s bound to be an accident.

Where the heavy machinery goes, it seems frustration isn’t too far behind.

“It’s a mess, it’s hell to get to work every morning,” said George Arvaintis, who said he was already late for work.

“You’re in traffic for 30 or 40 minutes, it usually takes five to get to where we need to be and it doesn’t look like it’s going to end,” said resident Melissa Caucci.

Local city councillor Justine McInytre now escorts her daughter to school every rush hour.

“I would not allow my daughter to bike to school by herself,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I would not allow my daughter to bike to school by herself," she said.

“This is why I need to bring her and pick her up. I don’t trust the drivers and the intersection.”

There are two work areas on Gouin Boulevard going on at the same time.

One site, near Highway 13, is repaving the road; the other aims to replace sewers close to the Roxboro-Pierrefonds train station.

“Unfortunately for any driver coming off Highway 13 and trying to get to the West Island, or people trying to get out and onto the 13, they’re absolutely squeezed,” she noted.

View image in full screen

McIntyre admitted, with all the construction going on along the boulevard, it’s frustrating drivers, some of whom may be willing to take a few risks.

“If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist, you’re dealing with people who are burning their red lights,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "If you're a pedestrian or cyclist, you're dealing with people who are burning their red lights," she said.

She said another problem is drivers who are in a rush and can’t see where they’re going around the piles of rubble on the corner.

Pierrefonds-Roxboro mayor Jim Beis was unavailable for an interview.

Construction is scheduled to finish in October.