The town of Amherst is alerting cross-border travellers that they can use Laplanche Street to reach downtown Amherst.
New signage is up at the provincial border checkpoint informing motorists of the option.
Earlier in August, the town received a letter signed by 30 downtown businesses expressing concerns about the lack of traffic entering the community via Laplanche Street and the negative effect that was having on their businesses.
The problem was caused by the blocking of Exit 1A to allow vehicles to be routed through the COVID-19 checkpoint at the Nova Scotia weigh scales.
In blocking Exit 1A, the province effectively prevented motorists from entering the town via Laplanche Street.
Mayor David Kogon says that in speaking with someone at the checkpoint, he found that a small number of people were being directed onto Laplanche Street via a road identified on maps as Fort Lawrence Scalehouse 4.
The new signage is designed to increase the knowledge and use of the alternate route, and bring more traffic back to downtown Amherst businesses.
