"Things are progressing along," explained Steve Shaheen, with the Ministry of Highways. "We still have a targeted completion date to be open to traffic by the end of October."

He adds that the recent rainfall hasn't hampered progress.

"The new realigned junction of Highway 18 and 39 is open to traffic. The detour on Highway 18 remains in place so the contractor can finish up some work on the new highway 18 lanes. The new two lane overpass south of the junction was opened up to traffic earlier this summer."

"And right now, the contractor has completed paving on most of the project and they continue to grade on a few short sections."

He adds that most motorist are respecting the construction zone. 

"Like anything, it takes a little while to get used to things so people are programmed to follow a certain route. But there's plenty of signage out there and we've done a number of things to alert motorists of the changes to that stretch of road."

"With any summertime road construction, it's often short-term inconvenience for long-term benefits. Once everything is done, traffic will be flowing safely and freely."

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