With road closures in place to support improvements at the intersection of Maidstone Avenue and Talbot Street North in Essex, the town is encouraging residents to not forget about the businesses in the area.
Those businesses remain open during construction, and to support them, the Town of Essex is launching a new "Worth the Drive" campaign.
With a little extra time and patience, drivers can follow the detours and continue to shop, dine, and access services throughout the construction period.
"Construction can create some temporary challenges, particularly for the businesses located near the project area, but we want residents to know that these businesses are still open and accessible," said Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy.
The new campaign includes a free passport residents can pick up at Town Hall or any participating business in Essex Centre. Customers can collect stamps by visiting businesses and enter for the opportunity to win BIA Bucks, which can be spent at local businesses.
Residents can also earn a bonus entry into the draw for two $50 BIA Bucks weekly prizes and three $500 BIA Bucks grand prizes by posting their experience using the hashtag #WorthTheDrive on social media.
The Maidstone-Talbot intersection improvements include new turning lanes, modern traffic signals with dedicated signals for cyclists, a new sidewalk, upgraded street lighting, and new watermain and storm sewer infrastructure.
Eventually, a new multi-use path will connect to active transportation infrastructure.
The town anticipates the project's completion in November.
