People travelling through the Highway 1/McKenzie Avenue interchange project will see a big change as the precast concrete box beams for the future Highway 1 underpass are lifted into place this weekend, July 20 and 21, 2019.

On Saturday and Sunday, the two spans will be erected, each consisting of 15 concrete beams. The concrete beams each weigh between 52 and 62 tonnes, depending on length. The north span will be 27 metres long and the south span will be 34 metres long.

Once the concrete beams are in place, crews will begin work on the bridge deck and approaches to connect McKenzie Avenue with Admirals Road over the highway. When the connection is completed, cross traffic will be moved onto the new bridge, allowing crews to finish excavating and constructing the highway below.

No lane closures are necessary for this work. However, motorists can expect the usual delays associated with this project. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure reminds all drivers to use extra caution through the project site and respect construction zone speed limits.

The ministry anticipates removing the traffic lights on Highway 1 at McKenzie Avenue by this coming winter. The entire project, including the loop ramp, landscaping and transit facilities, is expected to be completed by summer 2020.

Once completed, the $96-million McKenzie interchange project will save commuters travelling from the downtown core to the western communities an estimated 20 minutes.