Changes coming to Bell Boulevard as a result of casino

By Tyler Renaud 

BELLEVILLE – Bell Boulevard will see some changes to its layout, as well as some new developments following the announcement of the new Shoreline Casino.

The location of the new casino was announced the last week of January. Now, the City of Belleville is preparing for the changes that will be necessary to accommodate the incoming foot and vehicle traffic, according to Rod Bovay, Director of Engineering and Developmental Services.

“The city’s master transportation plan that was approved by council in 2014 – identifies Bell Boulevard from Wallbridge–Loyalist Road  to Sydney Street, ultimately being widened to four lanes with pedestrian sidewalks and street lights,” Bovay said.

This is how Bell Boulevard looks heading east. This area of road will expanded to four lanes with sidewalks. Photo by Tyler Renaud. 

The Sydney Street and Bell Boulevard intersection will also be outfitted with a left turning lane–that would allow drivers to head west on Bell towards the proposed site of the casino.

“These changes will really happen as development happens out there and traffic increases to the point where the road needs to be widened,” Bovay said. “There may be some interim improvements like turning lanes and some traffic lights perhaps.”

Bovay also says that one business owner is trying to rezone two lots for development, which would mean more business and condominiums coming to the area.

The Shoreline Casino is expected to open in the spring of 2017.