Garibaldi Highlands residents have been collectively crying out for mercy in recent weeks as construction on Highlands Way South and The Boulevard creates havoc on the neighbourhood's main arteries.
The southbound traffic is being rerouted away from Highlands Way South towards Skyline Drive as extensive curb work takes place. But it's the roundabout that's causing the most criticism.
Several residents are calling the roundabout too narrow after reported incidents of damage to the structure, which is still under construction, as large vehicles attempt to manoeuvre around it.
Calls to contractor Capilano Highway Services's general manager Steve Drummond to confirm the alleged incidents were not returned.
And although District of Squamish manager of engineering Brian Barnett did not respond to the reports of damage to the structure, in a written response to The Chief, he did say the roundabout is up to code.
"There will be no difference (from a turning radius perspective) compared to the old intersections," states Barnett.
"More specifically, the roundabouts are based on Ministry of Transportation standards for the centre island sizes, lane widths and entrance/exit geometry. This design accommodates vehicles including tractor-trailers per normal municipal requirements."
Barnett said a rollover curb, which has yet to be installed, will allow an unusually large truck to drive onto the centre island.
"Given all of the points noted above, we are confident the roundabouts will not be a problem for traffic," he stated.
In the meantime, residents lose more patience with every passing month construction continues.
Several neighbours expressed sympathy and aired their own frustration following a Chief story last month describing one resident's frustration at routinely being blocked from having vehicle access to his Boulevard home.
Nearly three weeks later, Barry Thomson said although workers are polite when he asks that equipment be moved off his driveway's entrance, the situation hasn't improved.
"I'm very sympathetic," stated Dee-Ann LeBlanc in her online response. "I'm on Highlands Way North and the construction on the Boulevard just seems to go on and on with no real progress, leaving us with chewed-up roads and chaos."
"My son's daycare is on the boulevard and because the flag lady wouldn't let me through I had to park two blocks away and walk with a two year old in the poring rain through a construction site," stated Jessica Ward. "I can't imagine how the residents of the area feel. I'd be pissed."
In a previous interview with The Chief, Capilano Highway Services stated road delays would continue until the project was completed in mid-May.
