A highly-anticipated roundabout in Antigonish Co. is getting closer to completion.

Work to install a new roundabout at the Beech Hill Rd.-Hwy. 4 intersection started in September.

After October’s regular municipal council meeting Tuesday night, Owen McCarron, the warden of Antigonish Co., said they’re pleased with the progress.

“Obviously, all the incidents that took place at Exit 33 was of significance to everyone in the county. and anyone approaching the area,” he said. “To see that work taking place, it looks like it’s going very well.”

Officials with the province’s transportation department shut down Hwy. 4 between South River Rd. and Beech Hill Rd. in January; it was in response to the number of crashes and near misses at the Beech Hill Rd.-Hwy. 4 intersection.

McCarron said the new roundabout will allow that section of road to re-open.

“With the (old) highway being shut down during this last nine months, they’ve experienced a drop in traffic,” he said. “Traffic patterns will return to normal, and we think the businesses along that section will see the benefit of that.”

McCarron said the roundabout should be fully operational by the end of October or the start of November.