Your commute between Saint John, Quispamsis and Hampton brings major updates this week. You will see crews preparing to reopen a crucial section of Highway 1 while local officials explore a new access point to ease traffic bottlenecks.

Highway 1 Eastbound Reopening

The eastbound lanes of Highway 1 near Hampton will partially reopen Wednesday afternoon. The highway has been closed to all traffic since the late afternoon of April 8. A tanker truck flipped near kilometre marker 153 and spilled approximately 36,000 litres of fuel.

Cleanup and environmental remediation at the site remain ongoing. Natural Resources Minister and Hampton area MLA John Herron visited the crash site on Monday to review the progress.

Image provided by John Herron

Until the lane opens, eastbound traffic continues to detour onto Highway 100 through Hammond River and Nauwigewauk.

New Quispamsis Highway Access Proposed

Further down the highway, the Town of Quispamsis wants to add a new access point between Millennium Drive and Highway 1. Town councillors recently reviewed an early engineering report regarding potential ramps.

The report confirms an exit ramp from the westbound lanes onto Millennium Drive is impossible due to insufficient sight distances, exit speeds and space. However, an entrance ramp onto Highway 1 is possible if it aligns with Cedar Ridge Boulevard.

Engineering and works director Gary Losier noted the intersection requires significant work. He suggested a roundabout suits the area better than a signalized intersection. Adding a ramp at Cedar Ridge increases traffic through the surrounding neighbourhood.

Mayor Libby O’Hara urged caution. She noted these projects become financially costly and consume significant staff time. Councillor Emil Olsen originally raised the idea to reduce the growing traffic bottleneck on Campbell Drive.

Council voted to investigate the project further with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. They will also engage the Town of Rothesay to discuss potential shared funding opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Highway 1 eastbound reopen?

Crews plan to open one eastbound lane of Highway 1 near Hampton by Wednesday afternoon.

Why is Highway 1 closed near Hampton?

A tanker truck crashed on April 8 and spilled 36,000 litres of fuel near kilometre marker 153. Crews are currently cleaning and remediating the site.

Where is the proposed Quispamsis highway ramp located?

The Town of Quispamsis is exploring a new entrance ramp to Highway 1 located at the intersection of Millennium Drive and Cedar Ridge Boulevard.