A construction project that reshaped the corridor between Saint John’s uptown and the north end has been completed.

The city announced Friday that the Main Street reconstruction, aimed at improving safety, accessibility and traffic flow, is finished.

A release from the city said the project represented a “significant investment in the city’s transportation infrastructure and reflects our commitment to building a safer, more connected community.”

The most significant change was reducing Main Street from three lanes in each direction to two from Union Street to Lansdowne Avenue.

The project introduced many other key upgrades and design changes to better serve motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Key changes for motorists

• Intersection Reconfigurations: Sight lines have been improved at Station Street, Paradise Row, and Portland Street. Stop signs were added at Station Street and Paradise Row to enhance traffic control.
• New Traffic Signals:
  • Route 1 Eastbound Off-Ramp (Red Rose Building): A new signal improves traffic flow and provides safe crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Motorists should be prepared to stop.
  • Main Street, Metcalf Street, and Simonds Street: This intersection now includes vehicle detection technology. Left turns from Main Street onto Metcalf Street are no longer permitted.
• Bike Boxes: Green-painted zones at intersections provide cyclists with a safe space to wait. Drivers must stop ahead of these boxes.
• Cross Rides: Green-painted crossings highlight bike crossing zones and improve visibility for drivers.
• New Yield Condition: Vehicles turning right from Union Street onto Main Street must now yield.

Improvements for cyclists

• Protected Bike Lanes: Installed alongside vehicle lanes for safer cycling.
• Bike Boxes and Signals: At Main Street, Metcalf Street, and Simonds Street intersection, cyclists must wait in designated bike boxes and obey traffic signals. Left-turn bike boxes are provided for safe turning.
• Bike Detection: Overhead sensors at key intersections activate bike signals when cyclists stop at designated areas.
• Multi-Use Paths: Installed in both directions:
  • Eastbound across the Viaduct
  • Westbound between Metcalf Street and Lansdowne Avenue
  • Cyclists should use the lane closest to traffic.
• Reminder: Cyclists must follow all traffic laws, including stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding when required, and using hand signals when turning.

Enhanced safety for pedestrians

• Audible Pedestrian Signals were installed at the Main Street and Metcalf Street and Route 1 Eastbound Ramp intersections.
• Tactile Walking Surface Indicators have been added to all major crossings to assist visually impaired pedestrians.
• New Crosswalk Beacon: A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon with audible tones was installed at the Route 1 Westbound ramp crossing on the Viaduct.
• Multi-Use Paths: Clearly marked paths separate pedestrian and cyclist zones. Pedestrians should stay to the outer edge of the path.

The city is encouraging all road users to familiarize themselves with the new features. More information is available at the city’s website.