The Cape Breton colours...and the road conditions!!

[Dan MacDonald]

Well folks, the colours are lovely, particularly past Smokey on the Cabot 
Trail, and through the central and northern parts of Inverness County.  The 
rest are turning, but not as fast.

On the Trail there were several spots where I came around a corner and was 
faced with a blaze of red, yellow and orange.  Ther is a section coming off 
North Mountain (going in to Pleasant Bay) that has several acres of red on 
one of the hill sides, only visable from one point on the trail!  Dramatic!!

The roads and the road construction are another matter.  Be aware that there 
is LOTS of road construction going on, in all areas of the Island.  Expect 
delays!!!  here are a few details.

They are working on the Seal Island Bridge.  Expect one lane, stop and go 
traffic during daylight hours for the next few weeks.

There is construction taking place on the Cabot Trail from Breton Cove, 
north to the base of Smokey, with slow driving and frequent stops.  I was 
stopped and waited 3 times yesterday.

Also, a stoppage for bridge repairs at Ingonish Harbour.  This is a stop 
light so it was only a couple of minutes.

There has also been survey work done in several areas, so they may be 
starting work there or in may be just advance work for next year.  Just be 
aware that there may be people working in those areas.

One of those was the Ingonish Beach to North Ingonish area on the Cabot 
trail from the park entarance north for several KM.

Another survey area is through the community of Pleasant Bay.  Also from 
south of Cheticamp through to St. Joseph Du Moine.  And again in Belle Cote. 
Note that all of these areas are on the Cabot Trail.

There is also work being done on the southern side of the island, through 
Richmond County on Highway 104 and 4, and in other areas as well.

They have just repaved a large section of road from the Lower River 
Inhabitants area, through to beyond the Louisdale / Arichat / Isle Madame 
turnoff.  They still have work to do on the shoulders of the road and with 
railings, so keep an eye out for that.

If you venture on to Isle Madame, be aware of the fact that they are 
rebuilding a long stretch from West Arichat through to beyond Arichat.

On Highway 4, there has been 'cold-planing' done on a section of road in the 
Irish Cove area, about 2 KM.  Traveling will be a bit rough so go slower.

Finally, there is MAJOR construction happening on Highway 4 from Big Pond to 
Ben Eoin.  Expect longer delays in several spots and drive slow!

That's just what I encountered doing my 12-hour treck around the island 
yesterday.  There is likely more in other areas.  I do know that the road 
between Boisdale and Iona (highway 223) is closed at Shunacadie because of 
bridge repairs.  Not sure how long that will be happening.  There's likely 
more as well.

Just plan your routes a bit in advance, give yourself a bit of extra time 
and you wilol get along fine.

Cheers

Dan